Review: Ruddigore *****

OPERA North led the memorial service to the late Lord Harewood, their founder, before returning to the Grand for Gilbert and Sullivan’s Ruddigore.

The founder would have been delighted. This revival of Jo Davies’ production is as big a hit as when first seen last year. Ruddigore is a satire on Victorian melodrama whose basic scenario – that the Murgatroyd baronets must commit a crime per day – allowed WS Gilbert to sub-satirise hypocrisy, amorality and even middle-class etiquette.

This perfect production achieves zest and pace by updating the action to the racy 1920s. Its many delights include an electrifying coup de theàtre when the ancestral portraits come to life, and an eerily disorientating moment when Sir Roderic’s ghost in First World War uniform addresses Dame Hannah with Wilfred Owen’s words “strange meeting”.

It is incredible fun – an ensemble piece done with ingenious comic invention, huge physical energy and great singing. Gilbert’s words are crystal clear – a fitting tribute to this underrated poet and dramatist to mark the centenary of his death. John Wilson conducts Sullivan’s brilliant and dextrous score – with knowing references to Weber, Verdi and Donizetti among others – with authority and light-touch restraint.

October 9, 14, 19, 27.