“RUDDIGORE"

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 213, 28 November 1927, Page 15

“RUDDIGORE"

AT HIS MAJESTY’S “Ruddigore,” a comic opera in two i acts by W. S. Gilbert and Sir Arthur j Sullivan. Presented at His Majesty’s Theatre by J. C. Williamson. CAST Robin Oakapple Charles Walenn Richard Dauntless James Hay Sir Despard Murgatroyd .. John Ralston Adam Goodheart John Brefne Mad Margaret Patti Russell Dame Hannah ~ Winifred Williamson Rose Maybud Strella Wilson Sir Roderic Murgatroyd Lance Fairfax Whatever else England lacks, she has two great stage traditions— Shakespeare and Gilbert and Sullivan. Throughout the centuries Shakespeare remains unrivalled on the dramatic stage; though not so old the successors of Gilbert and Sullivan have yet to be born. “Ruddigore” was written in ISB7. Its jests, its melody, its satire are just as alive to-day as they were when that incomparable couple, Gilbert and Sullivan, first tickled the palates of London audiences with their light, refreshing comedy. There are immense possibilities in “Ruddigore.” Think of it in terms of blood and thunder! Think of the heroic rhelodrama with which the London stage was flooded at that time and then see “Ruddigore” for a perfect satire of melodrama. A crowded house welcomed back the Gilbert and Sullivan Company—a company, apparently of which Aucklanders will never grow tired. Though 40 years old the opera will never be judged in years—its charm, its essence are essentially English and a heritage to future generations. “Ruddigore” is making its first appearance in New Zealand. Perhaps | it has not the particular charm of I several of its predecessors or successors, such as “The Pirates” or “The Yeoman.” but it has wit and the enduring charm of Sullivan’s music. Whatever its merits Auckland turned out in large numbers, not quite sure of their ground, it is true, but intensely enthusiastic —so enthusiastic that Mr. Hay felt disposed to make a curtain speech and declare his and the company’s happiness at being back in Auckland with the new opera. In “Ruddigore” w© have the bold bad baronet who must perforce commit one crime a day. The dissolute wretch even goes so far as forging his own will and incorrectly filling in his income tax papers. We have the simple country wench who never does anything before consulting her book of etiquette. There is Mad Margaret, who ultimately becomes proper, and a host of other melodramatic creatures whoso antics are a joy. The curse of the Murgatroyd’s is nothing to worry about. Just as 40 years ago it was considered the best of theatrical fare, so to-day audiences laugh at it, even if several of the jests have lost their point. But over all there is the perpetual charm of Sullivan’s music. Where is the man to-day who can give us the trio “In Sailing O’er Life’s Ocean” or “My Eyes Are Fully Opened” or that haunting duet “There Grew a Little Flower”? Miss Wilson seemed in better voice on Saturday evening. There was more vivacity about her work than on her last visit here'. She has a manner suited to Gilbert and Sullivan and must now rank as one of the best of Australian leads in the Savoy operas. Mr. Hay has less to do in “Ruddigore” than in any of the other operas. ’Tis true he entered into the zest of it, particularly in “I Shipped, D’ye See, In a Revenue Sloop,” and looked thoroughly nautical, but he has no outstanding melodies. Mr. Walenn gave us a charmingly bashful Robin Oakapple, complete in G. and S. tradition. He has a pleasant way with him: nothing is ever forced or exaggerated. We have yet to hear a more delightful voice than that possessed by Mr. Fairfax; One of the best performers in the company. His duet in the second act with Miss Williamson was one of the most enjoyable moments of an enjoyable evening. Mr. Ralston competed with Mr. Hay for comedy honours. His “blameless dance” with Miss Russell was another happy moment. Miss Russell gave us I a delightfully mad Mad Margaret and Mr. Bryne a tuneful Goodheart. The work of the chorus was excel- . lent and the whole performance a propitious forerunner of the season i which is to follow “Ruddigore,”