Ruddigore

In this G&S Production the Producer ( Pam Bailey) had an enthusiastic cast to work with, this was very evident from the start.

I must first mention the lone pianist ( Anthony Hunt), he had the unenviable job of opening the show with a challenging overture and didn’t have any respite until the interval after which he was once again fully engaged to bring this production home. Both he and the Musical Director(Anne Butterworth) worked in complete synchronicity throughout.

The show opened with a beautiful Cornish coastline backdrop - the scenic artists ( Marion Fuller and Peter Mansell) had obviously spent a lot of time and effort on it. I particularly liked the extra touch of the cat in the window of Rose Maybud’s cottage.

The stage was filled with colour from the Professional Bridesmaids and hopeful wedding guests all of whom provided some super vocals and harmonies throughout. The Wardrobe, Costumes and Make Up Departments (Catherine King,Lisa Sutton,Bernice Stage, Val Aitken,Alan Johnson,Christine Taylor,Joanne Shaw and Kathryn Storey) must be congratulated as it was quite a large cast and everything was very much in keeping with each individual character.

I particularly enjoyed the ancestral ghost scene - the careful lighting (Trevor West) added a certain ambiance and gravitas that let the audience know the seriousness of Robin Oakapple aka Sir Ruthven Murgatroyd ‘s (Adrian Davison) shortcomings in his cursed deeds.

I enjoyed the Producer’s (Pam Bailey) up to date slant on the tale by including emails and a certain highlight of mine was watching Sir Despard Murgatroyd (Paul Allcock) and Mad Margaret (Lindsay Lowe) doing The Floss - something which I doubt has been seen in a G&S show before. I also enjoyed the minimal use of props (Kath Storey) during this show - they can be a distraction. The Stage Manager ( David Lloyd) ran a nice  tight ship with no long scene changes, blackouts or portrait doors that didn’t open .

All the Principals gave good, strong, solid performances with fairly clear vocals if I were being picky I would just stress on diction and enunciation for some characters but that’s if I’m being very picky.

  I felt Robin Oakapple’s (Adrian Davison) awkwardness was portrayed well throughout the performance right up to the end when he finally gets his fickle girl Rose Maybud (Janet Marshall). 

Rose Maybud had some fabulous numbers throughout the show and delivered them beautifully, she depicted her problems and her solving of them with her little book of etiquette eloquently.

Dame Hannah’s (Jennifer Workman) sideways glances, eye rolls and head nods to the audience were an absolute treat, her comedic timing was impeccable. I thoroughly enjoyed her reactions both to being kidnapped and to meeting Sir Roderic Murgatroyd (Jack  Brierley) again.

Sir Roderic Murgatroyd delivered a very gentle, self assured, compassionate performance with enjoyable vocals.

Mad Margaret held the audience in the palm of her hand as soon as she entered the stage. Every tic, hysterical giggle,eye glance or head whip simply enhanced her odd yet loveable character. Mad Margaret and Sir Despard Murgatroyd had some fine scenes together - the flossing as already mentioned and their chemistry was very entertaining to watch.

Richard Dauntless ( Laurence Shoebridge) was a self assured loveable rogue with some very pleasant vocals, he got his girl in the end, all be it not the original one he set out for.

Adam Goodheart (Keith Hayward)  portrayed the valet very competently and gave an enjoyable performance.

Congratulations to you all, I thoroughly enjoyed watching your production.  Thank you for your hospitality, I look forward to seeing you all again very soon.

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