“RUDDIGORE”

Waikato Times, Volume 193, Issue 22202, 23 November 1943, Page 2

“RUDDIGORE”

SOUTHWELL BOYB’ SUCCESS The boys or Southwell School scored another triumph with their production of the Gilbert and Sullivan opera “Ruddigore,” last night. The Frankton Town Hall was crowded and the audience was delighted with the performance. The school has established quite a tradition with the Gilbert and Sullivan operas, having staged one each year since 1922. It is doubtful if any previous performance has excelled that or “Ruddigore” last night. The individual performances were very good, the concerted singing splendid, and what might be called the ‘‘team work” was a delight to watch—an object lesson to many adult performers. The opera went with an exhilarating swing throughout. lor this the producer, Miss Joan Sergei, was responsible, and she must have been very proud at the result of her work. The dancing was a greater feature than usual, and this was all excellent. The principals entered into their work with great vim and, though there were none of the outstanding singing voices sometimes revealed, the music was given a good rendering and the characterisations reached a very high standard. The cast was: Robin Oakapple, Warren Dibble.; Richard Dauntless, Douglas French; Sir Despard Murg.rTroyd, Richard Vernon; old Adam Goodheart, Campbell Johnstone; Rose May bud. Adrian Vcnnell; Mad Margaret, John Michaels; Dame Hannah, Ralph Coulam; Zorah, Allan Coulam; Ruth, Graeme Wrigley. Always “In the Picture” The members or the chorus deserve many bouquets. They were delightfully gay and animated, sang well and were ‘‘in the picture" all the time, illustrating what a large part the chorus can play in the success of a production. The members were: Bridesmaids—J. Hlennerhassett. G. Clunie, R. Foreman. B. Codward, I*, iiefherington, R. King, R. May, K. Saxton. R. smart, I’. Vernon. Bucks and Blades—j. Brew is, D. Cobcroft, M. Day, G. Dingle, M. Duncan, J. Foreman, A. Horner, B. Houghton, H. Isaac, a. Levien. J. McDiarmid, C. Neviii. j. Williamson. Fisher Girls—B. Broderick. J. Bryant, C. Dearlove, R. Joyes. J. Corbett. P. Leigh, w. Lockyer, l>. Manning, I. Max ted, c. Mitchell. I*. Newcomb, i‘. Wilkinson. J. Wiseman. D. Wot ton. Fishermen—D. Aitken, W. Cotter, J. Dearlove. 1\ McGowan, c. Penney, B. sioane, it. Tansey, J. Valintine, M. Watson, N. Worker.

A capable orchestra was under the direction of Mi K. 11. Aptliorp. Tile beautiful costume.-, were designed and made by Mrs H. G. Sergei, the effective scenery by Rev. p. s. Serge 1. and the properties bv the Southwell Theatre Guild. Mr Lc Nelson was Stage manager, and Mrs K. Preiuou attended to the front of the house.

“Ruddigure” will be repealed tonight It should not be missed.