Ruddigore

Apparently, shortly after “The Mikado” became the greatest hit of their career, Gilbert and Sullivan took on a Halloween-esque story to make fun of melodrama: “Ruddigore.” Though this work was allegedly one of Gilbert’s favorites, the show laid a comparative egg, yet surprisingly, given it’s rough start, “Ruddigore” has stood the test of time. It may be one of the lesser-known scores but its mockery of the over-the-top characters of melodrama, and its use of ghosts and curses make it fun to watch.

The play tells the story of the house of Ruddigore, a family of Baronets whose eldest son is cursed to commit a daily crime or else die horribly. The latest first-born disguises himself in order to win the hand of the pretty yet priggish maiden of the village, and hilarity ensues along the familiar lines of hidden identity and misplaced affections, with a chorus of professional bridesmaids and singing ghosts thrown in.

Absolutely essential in any Gilbert and Sullivan show are good voices, particularly for the leads.  Well, there was no shortage of good voices in this production all the principals were absolutely excellent. 
Anna Murgatroyd was all innocence and naiveté as Rose, consulting her book of etiquette at every turn.  She got much humour from her role and sang beautifully. 
Lucas Elkin had just the right aura of anxious niceness to make decent but dull Robin Oakapple good, and he handled his songs with style.
As the Man-o’-War-man Richard Dauntless, Gavin Jarvis created a very colourful character; an excellent performance and a great voice.  But wherever did he and Despard get the breath to do the lively dance and sing "You understand? I think I do"?
Gerard Chadwick didn’t quite give Despard the essence of villainy we were led to expect, in fact I rather liked him, but he was very good and Lisa Bullen as his former love, Mad Margaret, suitably manic.  
Another good strong performance came from Lynne Bullen as Dame Hannah.  Add to this the mellifluous voice of Richard Morris as Sir Roderic Murgatroyd - a ghost and a stronger cast of principals you couldn’t wish for.   
Able support was given by Leslie Wheeler as Old Adam Goodheart Robin's faithful servant and Caille Sugarman-Banaszak as Zorah, one of the two chief bridesmaids, whose excellent soprano was a delight.  

Of course it wouldn’t be G&S without a large chorus and this was no exception, all playing officers, ancestors, villagers and professional bridesmaids.  All the singing was powerful and vibrant and we heard every word the chorus sang.  Under the musical direction of Angela Roebuck members of the orchestra were faultless. However, at ten minutes I thought the overture was unusually long.  

Although Jan Pattinson’s choreography felt cramped on the limited expanse of stage, the cast worked well together, and it was visually interesting.

The scenery was exceptional.  The excellent Cornish backdrop of the first act gave way to the superb picture gallery in Ruddigore Castle for act two.  The scene change in the interval was a little pastiche all of its own. Well done David Hincks and his team.  Congratulations too to Lyn Bullen, the costumes were absolutely stunning.

All the effort it takes to turn the huge barn at Downing Farm into a ‘theatre’ was well worth it.  Congratulations to director Geoff Reed, he and his large production team and cast should be justly proud of this well-directed and fun production.

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