Ruddigore

My G&S education continued with this really enjoyable production of a show I had never seen before.  The society’s annual trip to Hornsea attracted a very appreciative audience that was rewarded with a strong performance from everyone who was tightly packed on a small stage.

Many of the society’s performers are very experienced but, once again I have to start with Alice Giblin who played Rose Maybud.  I have seen a number of her performances since I became a Rep and she has grown and grown as a singer and actress.  Here she gave one of those performances – her standard is always high but this one was exceptional.  Her voice is sublime, she never misses a note and her comic timing, especially here when thumbing through a book, was wonderful.

Director John Lamb also portrayed the main part of Sir Ruthven Murgatroyd and gave us a nicely rounded performance with a hint of a smile.  Neil Gower was very good as Richard Dauntless and Peter Perkins displayed his lovely voice and good acting skills as Sir Roderic Murgatroyd.

Laurine Kay stood out as a super Mad Margaret and her I Once Was a Very duet with Steve Aylmer, who played Sir Despard Murgatroyd, was an absolute delight as was their My Eyes Are Fully Open when joined by John Lamb.

Elaine Moore was fun as Dame Hannah and there were steady performances from everyone including Jenny Riddle (Zorah), Nick Whetton (Old Adam Goodhart) and Elizabeth Franklin (Ruth).

The Kingston Savoy Orchestra, almost twenty in number, provided the traditional overture and highly effective accompaniment to the performers although I thought that some of the music could have been taken a little quicker.  Singing was of the highest quality, movement simple and effective, costumes were traditional and the society made set worked well.

This was a very happy evening!

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