Ruddigore

Ruddigore – once again The Savoy Singers ventured into the gothic realms of Gilbert & Sullivan’s Ruddigore.   – The first night in 1887 was not as successful as those of previous Savoy operas because sensibilities were upset by the title and the coming to life of the ‘ghosts’ caused a stir.  Fortunately for us the audience this did not persist, and it is now a very popular show for audience and cast alike and certainly produces a challenge for the stage crew.

The delightfully decorated set gave the cast plenty of performance area and the rear runway gave the stage both height and depth. (A strategically placed masking flat would have prevented the audience seeing the cast behind Rose Maybud’s cottage.)  The use of lighting in the ghosts’ scene was excellent.  Indeed, the lighting throughout was imaginative and focussed.  Occasionally the principals were not ‘in the light’ provided. The sound levels tended to vary.

Costumes and make-up were all well-coordinated and the ghosts, in particular, were attired in regal splendour. 

The band should be very proud of their input.  A rousing overture followed by subtle accompaniment to all the singing – not an easy thing to achieve with 13 players which included 3 particularly good brass players.

The balance of the principals was excellent both in acting and singing.  The characterisations came over extremely well. The contrast between Rose Maybud and Robin Oakapple in Act 1 was particularly good and they both displayed their youthful natures.  The paring of Mad Margaret and Despard worked well and they enacted their dance with enthusiasm.  Hannah and Sir Roderic made a delightful couple in Act 2 with just the right amount of pathos.

The whole principal line-up was a credit to the society, director and MD although I am still finding it difficult to appreciate Dick being played by a female however good.

The chorus are to be congratulated on maintaining their characters and keeping the harmonies going particularly with so few men. 

Praise should go to the production team in all its various forms.  The orchestra was well directed and balanced by Diane Vivian who tried to keep the whole show moving.

 

This was a polished performance by a talented cast and crew.  Congratulations and thank you to everyone involved.

 

 

 

 

 

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