Ruddigore brings standing Ovation
Posted on Friday 7 May 2010
The latest in the the series of Farnborough Youth Opera Projects soars to new heights
Rarely in the 11 year history of the Prospect Theatre has a performance captivated the audience as this wonderfully compelling production of the classic Gilbert and Sullivan operetta, Ruddigore. It was the latest in the series of inspired Farnborough Youth Opera Projects created by the College Director of Music, Paul Bambrough, to enable College students take on challenging operatic productions to professional standard. In spite of the College’s enviable reputation for musical excellence, however, few could have expected the heights to which this production soared.
In the image of D'Oyly Carte itself, it was a gorgeous concoction of graceful music, sublime comic playing, supernatural spectres - and enormous fun! James Rowland, 17, from Aldershot as Sir Ruthven Murgatroyd and Jessica Mabin, 17, of Fleet, as Rose May led the cast superbly, performing with pizzazz and mature confidence the story of the hapless lovers. Ably supported by Stephen Mills,18, of Hook, as the hearty, seafaring foster-brother and the dastardly Sir Despard, played by Jacob Howells-Jones,18, of Tongham – a saturnine villain, all flashing dark looks and evil menace!
The plot twisted and weaved through a labyrinth of surprises and chaos caused by the ancient curse placed upon the heirs of Ruddigore, resolved at the last by true love! Mad Margaret, played by Nancy Reynolds, 18, of Bracknell, secured her man and there was even time for the late Baronet, Sir Roderic Murgatroyd, played by Richard Mahal, 18, of Frimley, to rise from the grave and find true happiness with his ice maiden, Dame Hannah, brilliantly portrayed by Kate Willetts, 17, of Sandhurst.
Joyous celebrations delighted the professional bridesmaids, beautifully led by Josie Copeland, 17, of Wokingham, and Emily Dobbing,18, of Woking, and a stout band of ancestral phantoms. Curiously, and in true Gilbert and Sullivan tradition, all seemed content with their respective partners however surprisingly they came to be together!
Ruddigore was a triumph for this young, accomplished and courageous cast and the standing ovation on the final night was a fitting tribute from the sell-out audiences.
Congratulating the cast after the production, College Principal, Dr John Guy, said, “The D’Oyly Carte company themselves would have been delighted to mount a production of Ruddigore to this standard – it is one of my proudest moments in the achievements of this College”.
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