THEATRE ROYAL.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 19145, 31 October 1927, Page 4

THEATRE ROYAL.

"RUDDIGORE » To-morrow there will commence, in Christchurch the New Zealand tour of the J. C. Williamson Comic Opera Company. . The opening presentation will be "Ruddigore," that delightful-burlesque ou old-fashioned melodrama that is regarded by those moat qualified to judge as one of the best efforts of the Gilbert' and Sullivan collaboration. "Ruddigore" has sparkling music, is interpreted by an exceptional. cast, aiid is notable for its dressing. Thefsecond act is described as a: masterpiece of stage presentation, being a brilliant ensemble of notable characters, who emerge from -portraits. This entrancing .. opera, with its'haunting melodies, has &-decided. theme—not usual in modern comic opera—and demands that, .those, interpreting it should be actors and actresses as well as singers." The thraldom of the Baron Murgatroyd is that he is obliged, by heredity, to commit St least one crime per day; his ingenuity is severely taxed in his efforts to escape'his obligations. Family chests.descend from portraits to utter protest,- with diverting results for tho whole Murgatroyd family. There are love scenes presented with delicacy that is characteristic of Gilbert and Sullivan compositions. Tt will be presented for three nights and one matinee (on Wednesday), and will, be followed by other selections from the company's repertoire. Christchurch will be glad to welcome once again the following favourites: Strella Wilson, Patti Russell, Winifred- Williamson, James Hay, John Ralston. Bernard Manning, and Charles Walenn. An orchestra of talented players rounds off the performance. The box plan is at The Bristol, where there is heavy booking.