The Norwich Gilbert and Sullivan Society will present a concert version of ‘RUDDIGORE or The Witch’s Curse’ at St. Cuthbert’s Church, Sprowston, Norwich. The cast includes Thomas Monument, Andrew Inglis, Andy Weston, Jon Bennett, Tim Hurst-Brown, Rachel Goodchild, Genevieve Plunkett, Janet Theobald and Victoria Monument. Beverley McInnes is Musical Director, Andy Weston is Producer, and there is a supporting chorus.
RUDDIGORE was premiered at the Savoy Theatre, London in January 1887, where it ran for 288 performances. The show then toured the provinces for the rest of that year. Thereafter, it was not professionally revived until the D’Oyly Carte Opera Company staged it in 1920, when it took on a new lease of life and proved very popular. The D’Oyly Carte continued to perform the opera right up until the company closed in 1982. When the D’Oyly Carte visited the Theatre Royal, Norwich for the last time in May 1981, RUDDIGORE was in the repertoire.
RUDDIGORE has been performed on five different occasions by the East Norfolk Operatic Society. The company was to have staged the show in 2021 but had to abandon the project due to lockdown. Gilbert and Sullivan enthusiasts now have a great opportunity to hear Sir Arthur Sullivan’s lively music coupled with W. S. Gilbert’s biting wit in this concert version of RUDDIGORE. Admission is free and refreshments will be available in the interval. Don’t miss it!
