What's On
Director, Jo Davies and Conductor, John Wilson talk to writer and broadcaster Edward Seckerson about cunning disguises, dastardly deeds, and an abundance of cracking good tunes.
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Synopsis
Sir Despard Murgatroyd is a man under pressure. He has inherited a witch’s curse forcing him to commit a crime a day or die in agony. So it’s a huge relief when shy Robin Oakapple is revealed as his long-lost elder brother – true inheritor of the curse.
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Pricing
- Adult Ticket
- £12.50 - £39.50
Schedule
Click on a venue below to find out more information.
Sheffield
The Lyceum Theatre
31st May - 2nd Jun 2012
2:15pm & 7:30pm
Edinburgh
Edinburgh Festival Theatre
7th - 9th Jun 2012
2:15pm & 7:30pm
Belfast
Grand Opera House
14th - 16th Jun 2012
2:00pm & 7:30pm
Comments
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What the critics say
Richard Burkhard's Despard takes the prize for most expressive eyebrows, while the rich staining of Richard Hudson's tea-coloured designs indicates that Ruddigore is definitely best seen through sepia-tinted spectacles.
Conductor Timothy Henty is young, and talented, and brilliant - he has a genuine enthusiasm for this opera that is infectious, and no-one can resist a conductor who is visibly enjoying himself throughout the performance
The orchestra, conducted by John Wilson, clearly had fun with all the parodies and mock-heroics of Sullivan's score...The cheers were warm-hearted and well deserved.
As a lifetime G&S sceptic, this production may have converted me. It’s that good.
Additional Information
Cast
- Robin Oakapple / Sir Ruthven Murgatroyd DAVID STOUT (May31; June 1,2(x2),9(x2),14,15)
- Robin Oakapple / Sir Ruthven Murgatroyd GRANT DOYLE (June 7,8,16(x2))
- Richard Dauntless JOSHUA ELLICOTT
- Sir Despard Murgatroyd RICHARD BURKHARD
- Old Adam Goodheart RICHARD ANGAS
- Rose Maybud REBECCA MOON
- Mad Margaret HEATHER SHIPP
- Dame Hannah GAYNOR KEEBLE (ex June 2 (mat), 9 (mat), 16 (mat))
- Dame Hannah CLAIRE PASCOE (June 2 (mat), 9 (mat), 16 (mat))
- Sir Roderic Murgatroyd STEVEN PAGE (ex June 14)
- Sir Roderic Murgatroyd PAUL GIBSON (June 14)
- Zorah GILLENE HERBERT
Creative Team
- Conductor TIMOTHY HENTY (ex 14, 15 June)
- Conductor OLIVER RUNDELL (14, 15 June)
- Director JO DAVIES
- Set Designer RICHARD HUDSON
- Associate Designer MAURICIO ELORRIAGA
- Costume Designer GABRIELLE DALTON
- Lighting Designer ANNA WATSON
- Choreographer KAY SHEPHERD
The Music
Ruddigore is a great showcase for Sullivan’s musical dexterity, including some of the best music he ever wrote. The sparkling score is full of energy, from the rivetingly ravishing to the grippingly ghoulish.
Did You Know?
Locals claim that the Murgatroyd ancestors in Ruddigore are based on the Murgatroyd family of East Riddlesden Hall, West Yorkshire.
Dial M for Murgatroyd...
It’s like putting on an old pair of shoes, don’t you think?’ These were the words of Jo Davies, Ruddigore’s director, after I’d recently dusted off the choreography for the entrance number as Sir Despard Murgatroyd, the Bad Baronet
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Comment from Grainne
Grainne said ago
Steven Page's - When The Dark Night Howls, at last night's GOH Belfast performance of Ruddigore was amazing. I cannot find it's substitute or better on all the versions posted on youtube. Thanks for a wonderful introduction to opera, I am glad that it is with Opera North as I was in wonderfully talented safe hands.
Comment from Guest
Guest said ago
went today to the matinee sat 2nd June 2012 what a good perfomance the music, the voices, the dancing and the humour, we throughly enjoyed ourselves, loved mad Margaret.