Ruddigore

This comic opera written  by W. S. Gilbert, with music by Arthur Sullivan was first performed by the D’Oyly Carte Opera Company at the Savoy Theatre, London in 1887.  If you have never seen  any of the G & S shows, one might assume it would be rather  high brow or stuffy and difficult to imagine the comedy in 1887 would still be amusing  today. However, you would be totally wrong! James Hayward and his cast really  brought out the comedy  and added a few quirky touches in this production which  was picked up by the appreciative  audience.

The story is set in a Cornish fishing village, a gorgeous scenic backdrop,  where a group of professional bridesmaids are waiting for Rose Maybud  to get married.  Both her and her intended, a local farmer Robin Oakapple are somewhat shy and  show no urgency in making their feelings known. Indeed Rose is more interested in ensuring things are done properly as dictated in her book of etiquette.  However, we discover Robin has a dark secret,  he is actually the cursed Baronet, Sir Ruthven Murgatroyd who faked his own death and changed his name in an attempt to avoid the curse. The curse was put  on all the  baronets of the family long ago, which meant they had to commit a crime every day or die in agony.

Ruth Ellis as Rose Maybud  was delightful with a beautiful, clear, soprano voice and was perfect in her character.  Mark Ellis as Robin Oakapple, or later Sir Ruthven also gave an excellent performance. They worked well together and captured the essence of the shy couple, with the comedy they had between them.  The chorus of excited  bridesmaids running around and singing their hearts out, were charming.   Richard Dauntless, (Phillip Tattersall) Robin’s foster brother, returns from sea and is a happy,  colourful character.  Ed Gerrie as Sir Despard, in his debut with the Society, played  the suitably  evil Baronet with conviction. Meanwhile Mad Margaret (Sara Bucknall) lives up to her name and is bizarre and comical, in her wedding dress, and  looking like Miss Havisham.   Lucy Pakes as Dame Hannah, David Brunning as Old Adam Goodheart, Howard Brooks as Sir Roderic, Geraldine Anup-Willcocks as Zorah and all the other characters  worked well together and kept up a good pace. The dancing and  choreography was enthusiastic and  added nicely to the production. I enjoyed the singing which was all  of a good high standard under the excellent direction of Andrew Burke and his  equally excellent 13 piece orchestra.  Even with such a large orchestra they did not overpower the singers and the sound levels were very good.

The  set was very atmospheric and the costumes all beautifully colourful and just perfect. The lighting  added nicely to the feel and was particularly effective with the ghosts in Act Two.  Thanks  to Fred James and his team FOH for welcoming us.

Many congratulations go  to James for his direction and choreography and all his cast and team for a very successful and enjoyable evening.

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