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RUDDIGORE
may not be the most popular or well-known of the Savoy
Operas but it is well worth an airing every now and then,
and this production had a slight tongue-in-cheek quality
about it that made it very enjoyable to watch. The
characterisations were superb, from Robert Eshelby’s
thigh-slapping sailor Richard Dauntless, Zachary
Higgins’ ‘diffident, modest and shy’ Robin
Oakapple, John Love’s melodramatic Sir Despard and
Mark Ward’s imperious Sir Roderick to Ruth
Hastings’ too-sweet-to-be-true Rose Maybud, Sue
Higgins’ untamed Mad Margaret and Christine
Eastwood’s eminently sensible Dame Hannah. And there
were strong performances too from Brian Morgan (Old
Adam), Judy Broom (Zorah) and Harriet Bellotte (Ruth). |
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Nigel
Finch’s fine, in- depth interpretation had some
lovely touches, particularly in the libretto, and with a
most effective ending to the first act finale. Lighting
effects were excellent and singing from both principals
and chorus was strong too. And if the ‘ Professional
Bridesmaids’ were, with one exception, perhaps a
little old in the tooth – well, given the previous
dearth of weddings in Rederring one could understand why
they were loathe to hang up their dresses. The society is
celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. Long may it
continue. |
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