NODA Review
“Ruddigore”; or, The Witch's Curse, is one of W. S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan’s Savoy Operas and was first performed by the D’Oyly Carte Opera Company at the Savoy Theatre in London on 22nd January 1887.Unfortunately it was not altogether a success, as critics and the audience felt that it was not as enjoyable as, the Mikado, which had been their last show before Ruddigore. Some changes were made, and it then ran for 288 performances and made money.
It is many years since I last saw a production of “Ruddigore”, so I was really looking forward to this performance from Crosby G & S Society, and I have to say I wasn’t disappointed. The production team consisted of Director Maralyn Taylor, Musical Director Chris Larkin, Choreographer Emma Williams and Assistant Musical Director Dorothy Hunter who all expertly guided the cast of singers and actors to perform remarkably well and produce an enjoyable evenings entertainment. The cast included Helen Fieldsend who gave a strong performance in the leading role of Rose Maybud, Helen had a lovely voice and really suited this role, and she was well complimented by Jonathan Taylor as Sir Ruthven Murgatroyd who also acted and sang very well, together making a very nice leading couple. Another excellent performance came from Isabel Jenkins as Mad Margaret who was also well complimented by Steven Sutcliffe as Sir Despard Murgatroyd, I really enjoyed their bedroom scene and I thought making them members of the Salvation Army was an excellent idea and very comedic. There were some good characterisations from Nick Cooper as another suitor for Rose Maybud’s hand namely sailor Richard Dauntless and Joan Ashcroft as the stately Dame Hannah. Other enjoyable performances included Brian Tubbs as Sir Roderick Murgatroyd, Ed Davies as Old Adam Goodheart, Emma Williams as Ruth and Pat Maitland as Zorah. The cast in the named roles were very well supported by the chorus of ladies and gentlemen who sang with lots of enthusiasm. The pace of the show was just right and there was very good use of the stage area. Diction and projection were generally satisfactory, so the story could be followed by the audience. The orchestra conducted by Musical Director Chris Larkin supported the cast on stage expertly and played at just the right level, so the singers could be heard although a little more projection from a few of the cast may have been beneficial, also choreography by Emma Williams fitted and complemented the production nicely.
The well-built scenery and props used for the two acts in this show were applicable, well thought out and along with good technical input, excellent colourful costumes made a very good platform for the cast to work on and also contributed to the success of the show. This contribution by all backstage workers to the success of a production must never be under estimated.
Congratulations to Director Maralyn Taylor and to all involved in bringing this very entertaining production to the stage which appeared to be really enjoyed by the audience. Thank you very much for inviting us, we had a lovely evening.