Review of Kirkcaldy Gilbert and Sullivan Society’s production of Ruddigore:Adam Smith Theatre, Wed March4 – Saturday March 7
Even by the standards of Gilbert and Sullivan, Ruddigore has a ridiculous story line and creaky libretto – but it really doesn’t matter, as the famous patter trio says. The songs and music carry the show along on a tidal wave of melody.
Kirkcaldy G&S director Robin Ozog, who also played the parts of Robin Oakapple and Sir Ruthven Murgatroyd, chose to change the opening of the show, allowing Anne Balfour as Dame Hannah to set the scene. This she did, singing beautifully with very clear diction, giving those of us unfamiliar with the story at least a chance of following the plot. Her song was preceded by dialogue, giving us the unusual experience of a G&S production starting without music.
The bridesmaids chorus was on top form, led by Nikki Johnstone as Zorah. Nikki was one of a number of new young faces on stage – a very encouraging sign for Kirkcaldy G&S – and she sang and performed beautifully.
Another new face in the company was Scott Smeaton as Richard ("my heart calls me Dick!") Dauntless. He carried off the role effortlessly with a youthful tenor tone and fine comic touches.
Scott found himself playing opposite two G&S stalwarts. Linda Milne, as Rose Maybud and Robin Ozog have a vast amount of experience – and it showed. They brought real energy to the stage and sang and acted as we have come to expect.
Old Adam, Robin’s trusty retainer, was played by Ian Davidson. It was a delightful cameo and one of the highlights of the production. I thought he brought a touch of Mel Smith to the part – my companion through it was more Charles Laughton! His comic timing was absolutely impeccable.
For me, the highlight of the evening was Elaine Young’s Mad Margaret. From her first appearance (absolutely bonkers) through to the end of the show (still bonkers but just about under control) she was hilarious. Elaine also sang the part beautifully.
In Act 2 she teamed up with Robin Ozog and Robert Douglas Kerr for the ferociously fast "My Eyes are Fully Open" patter trio. No problem to these three old hands although there was a bit of local difficulty with the furniture – but it really didn’t matter.
Robert Douglas Kerr played Sir Despard with all the moustache twirling nastiness the part required and his easy baritone was a pleasure to listen to.
Ruddigore contains a scene which is difficult to pull off convincingly on the amateur stage. Ancestral paintings come alive and step out on to the stage to scare the wits out of Sir Ruthven. In this production it was managed magnificently with the aid of large individual portraits of each chorus member painted specially for the occasion.
After a bit of a wobble at the start of their big chorus the men settled down quickly and made the most of the creepy words and music.
As a green-faced Sir Roderic, Alastair Campbell led the eerie ancestors in "When the Night Wind Howls" one of Ruddigore’s best known numbers. It’s a tricky song and Alastair handled it well, coping with the added difficulty of being wheeled about the stage on a set of steps!
From the overture to the finale musical director John Howden had the orchestra well under control. Pleasing tempos and with sympathetic dynamics supported the singers without overwhelming them.
Apart from a maypole which threatened to topple into the pit and some "interesting" footwork from the men in the chorus, the opening night went off without a visible hitch. It was a very enjoyable night at the theatre. Well done Kirkcaldy G&S.
Ruddigore is showing at the Adam Smith Theatre, Kirkcaldy, all this week:
Wednesday 4th March - Saturday 7th March at 7.30pm and Saturday Matinee at 2.30pm
Tickets are available from the Adam Smith Box Office on 01592-583302. Don't miss it!
Even by the standards of Gilbert and Sullivan, Ruddigore has a ridiculous story line and creaky libretto – but it really doesn’t matter, as the famous patter trio says. The songs and music carry the show along on a tidal wave of melody.
Kirkcaldy G&S director Robin Ozog, who also played the parts of Robin Oakapple and Sir Ruthven Murgatroyd, chose to change the opening of the show, allowing Anne Balfour as Dame Hannah to set the scene. This she did, singing beautifully with very clear diction, giving those of us unfamiliar with the story at least a chance of following the plot. Her song was preceded by dialogue, giving us the unusual experience of a G&S production starting without music.
The bridesmaids chorus was on top form, led by Nikki Johnstone as Zorah. Nikki was one of a number of new young faces on stage – a very encouraging sign for Kirkcaldy G&S – and she sang and performed beautifully.
Another new face in the company was Scott Smeaton as Richard ("my heart calls me Dick!") Dauntless. He carried off the role effortlessly with a youthful tenor tone and fine comic touches.
Scott found himself playing opposite two G&S stalwarts. Linda Milne, as Rose Maybud and Robin Ozog have a vast amount of experience – and it showed. They brought real energy to the stage and sang and acted as we have come to expect.
Old Adam, Robin’s trusty retainer, was played by Ian Davidson. It was a delightful cameo and one of the highlights of the production. I thought he brought a touch of Mel Smith to the part – my companion through it was more Charles Laughton! His comic timing was absolutely impeccable.
For me, the highlight of the evening was Elaine Young’s Mad Margaret. From her first appearance (absolutely bonkers) through to the end of the show (still bonkers but just about under control) she was hilarious. Elaine also sang the part beautifully.
In Act 2 she teamed up with Robin Ozog and Robert Douglas Kerr for the ferociously fast "My Eyes are Fully Open" patter trio. No problem to these three old hands although there was a bit of local difficulty with the furniture – but it really didn’t matter.
Robert Douglas Kerr played Sir Despard with all the moustache twirling nastiness the part required and his easy baritone was a pleasure to listen to.
Ruddigore contains a scene which is difficult to pull off convincingly on the amateur stage. Ancestral paintings come alive and step out on to the stage to scare the wits out of Sir Ruthven. In this production it was managed magnificently with the aid of large individual portraits of each chorus member painted specially for the occasion.
After a bit of a wobble at the start of their big chorus the men settled down quickly and made the most of the creepy words and music.
As a green-faced Sir Roderic, Alastair Campbell led the eerie ancestors in "When the Night Wind Howls" one of Ruddigore’s best known numbers. It’s a tricky song and Alastair handled it well, coping with the added difficulty of being wheeled about the stage on a set of steps!
From the overture to the finale musical director John Howden had the orchestra well under control. Pleasing tempos and with sympathetic dynamics supported the singers without overwhelming them.
Apart from a maypole which threatened to topple into the pit and some "interesting" footwork from the men in the chorus, the opening night went off without a visible hitch. It was a very enjoyable night at the theatre. Well done Kirkcaldy G&S.
Ruddigore is showing at the Adam Smith Theatre, Kirkcaldy, all this week:
Wednesday 4th March - Saturday 7th March at 7.30pm and Saturday Matinee at 2.30pm
Tickets are available from the Adam Smith Box Office on 01592-583302. Don't miss it!
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