What NODA thought …
Elizabeth Donald reported on behalf of NODA:
I came away from this show interested anew in G&S works. The curtain rose to an array of professional bridesmaids with no prospect of a marriage any time soon and who are trying to marry off Rose Maybud. Meanwhile the Baronet of Ruddigore is cursed to commit a dastardly act every day but he is not the real Baronet. Then comes the uncovering of Robin as the real Baronet who combats the curse. Factor in his meeting with the ghostly ancestors and we have a convoluted story to unravel with humour and drama all the way.
Singing from all was of high quality and complemented by well-defined movement. Claire Turnbull caught the correctly-behaved Rose Maybud; Michael McFarlane as Robin charmed with his innocent demeanour; but showed a strength of character in confronting the curse; Michael Doroszenko was the typical play-around sailor, and Robin Ożóg oozed wickedness until he had the curse removed and showed great loyalty to his former love Mad Margaret. This is a great part and Susanne Horsburgh delivered the unhinged mind of the role with great success in both song and movement. Liz Landsman as Rose’s Aunt, Dame Hannah, gave us some splendidly comic moments as when she was floored by Rose and her big book and later when wheeled in in a wheelbarrow as the captured maiden. As Old Adam Goodheart, George Alexander lived up to his name. The most recent family ghost was well played by Scott Thomson.
Other highlights for me were the well-choreographed and executed patter song between Mad Margaret, Sir Despard and Robin, the dark drama of the ghosts coming to life and torturing Robin, and the comic rivalry of the bridesmaids with solid performances by Sinead Williams and Joy Campbell as Zorah and Ruth. The set of the Cornwall village was a picturesque rural idyll and a complete contrast to the august room of ancestral portraits. The skill in musical accompaniment, lighting and sound is that it is supportive and unobtrusive and so it proved here. Well done to all for keeping up the best of G&S tradition while presenting a thoroughly entertaining show.
End of the show …
“Weep, weep, all weep!” That may a quote from the wrong opera, but it reflects how everyone backstage feels when another run is over, Jack’s Caff has shut for the last time, and the Gents Chorus dressing-room has resounded to Cwm Rhondda. As the weeks go by, more photographic memories will be shared, but meanwhile you’ll have to make do with another of the traditional “on-the-stairs” shots, this time of our two lovely troupes of Jets and Sharks, captured by Willie Campbell. This must have been before the Act 1 finale fight, because there is no sign of bandages!
Happier than any …
Act 2 Finale: But happier than any a lover is when he embraces his bride!
Well, that’s the end of another show … Sir Despard and Mad Margaret have toddled off to settle in Basingstoke, the curse of the Murgatroyds has been lifted, and the professional bridesmaids are happy because “the pious charity by which they exist” has benefitted from a total of four weddings!
But, best of all, everyone who saw the show loved Rae Lamont’s new take on the story, which (despite the impression given by the picture above) was full of life and movement. The competing groups of bridesmaids (‘Jets’ and ‘Sharks’ for rehearsal purposes!) even ended up scrapping at the end of Act 1 … There were some delicious comic touches, some tender moments, and a wonderful mad scene.
As always, our team of soloists, chorus, orchestra and stage crew did an excellent and professional job. You’ll find a very positive NODA critique of the production in this post on our Members page.
If you missed it, then there will be some more photographs shortly, but all we can offer you now is a peek at the programme, which you can read at this link.
NODA presentations
Ann Duly: 40 year Silver Bar
As usual, NODA awards were presented on-stage, this year by Elizabeth Donald, Regional Representative for District 3 (Falkirk area). These symbols recognising service to amateur theatre went to:
- Ann Duly: 40 year Silver Bar
- Gwyneth Kirby: 30 year Silver Bar
- Claire Turnbull: 20 year Badge
- David Alexander: 10 year Badge
This post will work its way down the page, but you can see all the recent presentation history at this link.
Characters from Facebook (7)
Another wonderful night here in Rederring! If you’ve missed it so far … how could you miss this wee face?
Shy, diffident, modest, retiring little Robin Oakapple is a rich gentleman farmer in the halcyon village of Rederring. But … that wee face. Butter wouldn’t melt. Except … he is hiding a terrible, life-altering secret!!
What could it be?! Find out at the Carnegie Hall in Dunfermline! Dunfermline G&S Society’s production of Gilbert & Sullivan’s Ruddigore runs until 25 February, at 7.30pm on both remaining nights, plus a 2.30pm matinee tomorrow. Tickets available from our ticket hot-line (07703 483083), the Carnegie Hall Box Office (01383 602302) or book on-line at this link.
[You can read about all our Facebook characters at this link]
Characters from Facebook (6)
Our Opening Night has gone swimmingly! If you missed it, come along and meet Rose Maybud.
Dear, sweet, charming Rose Maybud. Philanthropist. Etiquette expert. Apple lover. Somewhat … constrained.
Apparently the only eligible lady in the whole village of Rederring! All the men are after her … Who will prevail?
Find out at the Carnegie Hall in Dunfermline! Dunfermline G&S Society’s production of Gilbert & Sullivan’s Ruddigore runs until 25 February, at 7.30pm every night, plus a 2.30pm matinee on Saturday. Tickets available from our ticket hot-line (07703 483083), the Carnegie Hall Box Office (01383 602302) or book on-line at this link.
Mollie Tulloch
I first met Mollie Tulloch when I joined the Society in 1983; she was our Wardrobe Supervisor throughout the 1980s and until 1993. Always very cheerful and helpful, Mollie was quite nifty with safety pins and other emergency repairs, always busy behind the scenery or in the wings, with something requiring attention at the last minute. It was quite a family affair with her husband, Bill, a founder member of the Society, their daughter Alison and son-in-law Mike Pendlowski all dedicated to the smooth running of the Society and the hard work that a production involved.
Mollie must have missed Bill when he was out at rehearsals, committee meetings and ‘the week of the show’ and gave him her utmost support by coming to join the happy band. She had the onerous task of taking body measurements, ordering from costume suppliers, receiving and organising the fittings soon after their arrival at the theatre.
After her ‘retirement’ Mollie maintained a very keen interest in the Society’s work and never missed a production. She became one of the ‘Friends’ of the Society, nowadays referred to as Patrons. We are very sorry to hear of her passing, but those who were members in the 80s and 90s have happy memories of Mollie to treasure.
Mary Kidd
Mollie sadly passed away on the evening of Thursday 16 February. Her funeral has been arranged for 12:15pm on Friday 24 February at Dunfermline Crematorium. We send our condolences to our Life Member Bill, their daughters Alison and Dorothy, granddaughter Helen (this year’s Stage Manager), and the rest of the family.
Next appearance
Your next chance to see the Society on stage at Carnegie Hall, Dunfermline will be on 19–21 February 2026 in a sparkling production of Strictly Patience.
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