Ruddigore at Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Victoria

Image above from the 2012 GSOV production of Ruddigore

Gilbert and Sullivan’s witty and ghastly melodrama Ruddigore (or The Witch’s Curse),will be presented by Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Victoria from 6-8 September, 2024, at the Alexander Theatre, Clayton.

A witch’s curse, a thwarted courtship, an assumed identity, a ghostly chorus and the irksome business of committing daily acts of wickedness. With marvellous music from Sullivan, and Gilbert’s most witty and wild characters lampooning etiquette books, melodrama and the Victorian obsession with the supernatural, don’t miss this irreverent tale with its spirited topsy-turvy twist! 

Shy and law-abiding, gentleman farmer, Robin Oakapple, is working up the courage to ask the virtuous Rose Maybud to marry him. However, his dark secret and true identity are revealed. He is Sir Ruthven Murgatroyd - the cursed Baronet of Ruddigore Castle - who fled to escape his fate of daily dastardly deeds. How will he free himself from the witch’s curse and satisfy the ghosts of his ancestors to resume love's true course? 

Matinees will feature ghostly-themed activities for children and "the young at heart" - prizes awarded for best Ghost Dress Up, a Colouring Competition, the opportunity to watch a scene change and ask questions, and Meet the Cast Photo Opportunities.

Director, Ron Pidcock OAM, brings his experience of 70 years across 260 theatrical events, including over 70 Gilbert & Sullivan productions, to this lucky production. His cast features new talents such as soprano Zoe Lancaster (Rose Maybud) fresh from Edith Cowan University and semi-professional lyric operatic tenor Daniel Vigne (Richard Dauntless) as well as experienced GSOV performers such as Jenny Wakefield (Dame Hannah) last seen in Ages Ago (2023) and Lilac Time (2024) and James Douglas (Robin Oakapple) last seen in The Pirates of Penzance (2023) and Thespis (2022). The array of experienced principals with their entertaining characters is completed by Melissa Hill (Mad Margaret), Kate Thurkle (Zorah), Hannah Sleeth (Ruth), Robin Halls (Old Adam), John Parncutt (Sir Despard) and Phil Elphinstone (Sir Roderic).

Patrons will be fortunate to experience a full live orchestra and glorious chorus under the baton of Trevor Henley whose experience with GSOV began in 1976 playing the flute in the orchestra. GSOV has been a happy accompaniment to his music career across diverse church and school choirs, chamber choirs, massed choirs, orchestras and bands. 

Join GSOV for a rare, fully-staged production of Gilbert and Sullivan’s comic supernatural opera. Four shows only, including matinees on Saturdays and Sunday, and free on site parking. Bookings through gsov.org.au.

Direct booking link: https://www.monash.edu/performing-arts-centres/event/ruddigore/

Photo credit: Robin Halls