Ruddigore, or The Witch’s Curse, was the 10th collaboration between Gilbert and Sullivan. The “supernatural opera” opened on January 21, 1887 at the Savoy Theatre and ran for 288 performances. It was not revived until 1920 when it was substantially cut and provided with a new overture arranged by Geoffrey Toye.
The opera is a parody of the stock melodrama — the villain who carries off the maiden; the priggishly good-mannered poor-but-virtuous-heroine; the hero in disguise, and his faithful old retainer who dreams of their former glory days; the snake in the grass who claims to be following his heart; the wild, mad girl; the swagger of fire-eating patriotism; ghosts coming to life to enforce a curse; and so forth.
But as one critic noted, Gilbert turns the moral absolutes of melodrama upside down: Good becomes bad, bad becomes good, and heroes take the easy way out.
The Baronets of Ruddigore are cursed. Anyone who succeeds to the title has to commit a crime every day – or perish in inconceivable agony.
Robin Oakapple, a young farmer loves Rose Maybud, but both are too shy to tell the other. However, Robin has a secret. He is really Sir Ruthven Murgatroyd, the rightful Baronet of Ruddigore, in disguise.
His younger brother, Despard, believing Ruthven to be dead, has assumed the title. Robin’s foster brother, Richard, seeking Rose for himself, tells Despard of Robin’s deception, and Robin is forced to accept his true position, losing Rose to Richard in the process.
Now the Baronet of Ruddigore, Robin is confronted by the he ghosts of his ancestors who step from their picture frames in the gallery of Ruddigore Castle to confront him for failing to conscientiously commit his daily crime. Robin eventually finds a way of satisfying his ancestors demands whilst continuing to live a blameless life.
Blackburn Gilbert & Sullivan Society
Blackburn Gilbert & Sullivan Society are a performing society established in 1963. Their first show, The Gondoliers, was staged at the Community Theatre, Troy Street, Blackburn in February 1964.
The society strive to bring the delightful works of William Schwenck Gilbert and Arthur Seymour Sullivan to a wide audience.
EVENT DETAILS:
Blackburn Empire Theatre presents ‘Ruddigore’ on Wednesday 20th February – Saturday 23rd February 2019 at 7:30 pm. Tickets are £12 for adults and £10 for concessions.
Available online here or from the Booking Office in person or by phone (Monday to Saturday 10am to 12:30pm) 01254 685 500.