Ruddigore

It was a pleasure to once again be back at Hartley Village Hall to see a traditional Gilbert and Sullivan. Well, I say traditional but this one came with a few twists!

The main storyline focuses on the bad baronets of Ruddigore, condemned by a witch’s curse to commit a crime a day or perish in unspeakable agony. Sir Ruthven Murgatroyd escaped his fate as the ‘next in line’ by feigning his death and disguising himself as Robin Oakapple, a shy young farmer. Finally unmasked by his younger brother Sir Despard, Robin Oakapple, aka Sir Ruthven Murgatroyd, is forced to take on the title and start a life of evil – something he desperately tries to avoid... 

Scenery was minimal but this gave plenty of room for the action on the small stage and lighting didn’t seem to have any glitches. In the second act, as we could only see a few ancestral portraits there was an amusing comment in the programme that the rest were on loan to the National Trust! Music was in the capable hands of MD Richard Gregg with Mark Andrew accompanying on keyboard, the pace kept the action flowing and singing by both principals and chorus was good. A small choir seated at the back and side of the stage boosted the chorus numbers. Costumes were traditional and excellent. Choreography by Rebecca Walker had been well thought out to suit the size of the stage and the capabilities of the cast.

The lead part of Rose Maybud was played very sweetly by Rebecca Hills bringing just the right amount of humour especially when referring to her little book of etiquette and her fickleness when choosing a husband. Rebecca has a nice singing voice but she obviously struggles in the top register and I noticed in the madrigal particularly that voice parts were swapped round but this did not detract in the slightest. Whatever part Andy Noakes plays he puts his heart and soul into it and as villain Sir Ruthven Murgatroyd disguised as hero Robin Oakapple this was no different, a wonderful characterisation. His foster brother Richard ‘Dick’ Dauntless was played by Sean McDermott, the likable ladies’ man. Both Andy and Sean delivered solid acting and singing performances and are to be congratulated. Brenda Best took on the challenging role of Mad Margaret and was nothing short of superb. A wonderful portrayal of this unusual character and ‘Cheerily Carols the Lark’ was sung with such pathos. Sue Sutton filled the semi comedic role of Dame Hannah and her duet with Sir Roderick Murgatroyd played by Mike Hickie was lovely. Here are some of the twists I mentioned! In pantomime you see a female play a male and a male play a female, so why not in G&S! I had to admire this multi-talented duo, Alison Clinch as Sir Despard Murgatroyd; Sir Jasper Murgatroyd and a Bridesmaid. Geoffrey Hawes as Old Adam: Sir Rupert Murgatroyd and a Bridesmaid (Ruth) not all at the same time of course but very often with quick changes and at times so amusing. The other Ghosts, Bucks and Blades Alan Blatchly and Stephen Leveritt, Bridesmaids Katharine Arnold, Elaine Jermyn (Zorah) and Dawn Leese, all added to the success of the production.

Congratulations to Director Wendy Stuckey. It must have been pleasing to see all your hard work and that of the cast and crew culminate in what was a very enjoyable show. 

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