Opera North: Ruddigore – Lowry

Jo Davies’ 2010 production of Gilbert and Sullivan’s fast-paced comic opera is dusted down for a well-deserved airing by Revival Director James Hurley, with the action reset in the 1920’s and the era of silent movies proving the perfect setting for moustachioed villains and cloak-swirling, whilst not missing out on some updated lines to have a dig at prime ministers old and new: now, whose name might rhyme with lettuce…

Rose Maybud (Amy Freston) is an innocent village girl who lives her life by a book of etiquette which only serves to hinder any burgeoning relationship with tongue-tied suitor Robin Oakapple (Dominic Sedgwick), much to the disappointment of the village’s professional bridesmaids (Chorus of Opera North led by Gillene Butterfield).

Robin ropes in his foster brother, Richard (Xavier Hetherington) when he returns from sea to help in his pursuit of love but what unravels is that Robin is in fact the rightful baronet, Sir Ruthven Murgatroyd. Whilst Robin’s loyal valet (the ever-impressive Henry Waddington) consoles him over his fate to operate under the family curse – to commit at least one crime a day or suffer the most painful of deaths – his younger brother and now ex-baronet Sir Despard (John Savournin) is free to resume his relationship with Mad Margaret (Helen Évora).

Dissatisfied with Robin’s lack of crimes, the ghosts of his ancestors return, led by his late uncle Sir Roderic (Steven Page), but when he encounters his old flame Dame Hannah (Claire Pascoe), they’ve all got their work cut out if there is going to be a happy finale after all.

The long overture is cleverly complemented by a silent movie screen to provide the necessary back story, because from the off, the pace is unrelenting and conductor Anthony Kraus does well to keep the orchestra on top of it and coordinated with the on-stage action, although there were some instances when a slightly reduced tempo would have helped some cast members better deliver their lines which in true G&S style are full of clever wordplay to trip over.

Richard Hudson’s set design made more of less in the opening act as a bedroom scene transformed to the dockside before becoming a church, all of which were perfectly segued without any disruption, before the crowning glory of The Picture Gallery at Ruddigore Castle was unleashed in every sense in Act Two, as to some great sound and lighting effects from Anna Watson, the frames came alive and the ancestors stepped down into the action, all resplendently dressed in costumes of their time, designed by Gabrielle Dalton, and in contrast to the 1920’s costumes that had cleverly evoked innocence, villainy and G&S’ preferred naval themes to that point.

The cast performed strongly with some great choreography from Kay Shepherd, complemented by dancers (Lyra Treglown; George Bishop; Ben Yorke Griffiths) further elaborating each mood and moment, all of which added to the riotous humour and energy that moves the piece along through its fantastic musical numbers. Whilst these were most entertainingly comedic in form, I found Pascoe and Page’s duet towards the end particularly moving.

The innocence of Rose and Robin is well-portrayed by Freston and Sedgwick as is the darker contradictory sacrifices each is quite willing to make. Hetherington impressed not only the ladies with his hornpipes and was in fine voice throughout in a strong performance. Savournin excelled as the moustache-twirling villain who then, in conjunction with Évora, proceeds to serve up an absurd dance routine and ensure that Basingstoke will never be thought of the same again, with their comic performance and timing a pleasure to watch. A special mention for Butterfield and the Chorus of Opera North who excelled as bridesmaids, bucks, blades, and Murgatroyds.

Ruddigore is one of Opera North’s current touring productions as part of a season focused on magic, mystery, and magnificent music. Further details can be found at https://www.operanorth.co.uk/

The Lowry is a theatre and gallery complex at Salford Quays with a wide creative offering, further details https://thelowry.com/whats-on/

Reviewer: Mark Davoren

Reviewed: 15th November 2024

North West End UK Rating: