Ruddigore

Ruddigore or the Witch’s Curse followed ‘The Mikado’ into the Gilbert and Sullivan repertoire and as such had a difficult beginning.  From the light tones of Japan to a grim baronial hall the dedicated Savoy Theatre regulars found it hard to appreciate the latest offering in 1887.  Criticisms were levelled of the very long first act followed by a second act which was thought to lack dramatic shape.  Despite the various trials this show has undergone it remains a popular production for amateur societies.  The elements of burlesque Victorian melodrama are evident in the interplay of baronets and innocent maidens.  The story of crossed lovers and ‘permission to marry’ pales against the need for the ‘bad baronet’ to perform a crime each day on pain of death.  Ultimately lovers are reunited the ancestors are satisfied and happiness reigns in the fishing village of Rederring.

The sets were most striking and made an instant impression especially the backdrops.  The Act Two scene in particular was most impressive.  The orchestra created a really good sound and supported the singers well. The ensemble singing was good and in particular the principals’ ensembles were not only well-balanced but well interpreted.  It was good to hear each and every line of music.

The whole production was very well crafted.  The integration of the principals and chorus was evident with each member of the chorus creating their own persona.  Act one moved at a really good pace with hardly a pause even for the audience to applaud and ended with a stunning finale including the crisp madrigal “When the buds are blossoming”.  The ‘dramatisation’ of Dame Hannah’s song was an inspiration and worked well, particularly the burning of the witch and the writhing of a Murgatroyd.  The audience were most amused by the antics of Richard Dauntless and many a titter over his descriptions of the attributes of Rose and particularly himself.  The opening of act two always focuses on the picture gallery and we were not disappointed - a stunning set with the ancestors in position at the start.  The action with the ancestors was approached with understanding and sensitivity – so easy to go over the top.  The atmosphere built up throughout the act and drew the audience in to discover how it was going to be resolved. The whole cast appeared to be really enjoying their involvement and had immersed themselves in the action.  The performance was very pleasurable to watch and the production was of a very high standard. 

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