ruddigore 

by W.S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan
First performance 18th February 2015 at King's Head Theatre, Islington

Director: John Savournin
Musical Director: David Eaton
Designer: James Perkins
Lighting Designer: Nicholas Holdridge

Following their smash-hit success with a fresh take on Patience, "the masters of G&S in small spaces" (CNJ) celebrate their ten year anniversary with a brand new 'Hammer Horror' production of Gilbert and Sullivan's Ruddigore or The Witch's Curse.  The most celebrated writers of comic opera's quirky spoof on melodrama, with mad damsels, villainous barons and a picture gallery of ghosts, is given a spark of electricity and plenty of punch in the way that only CCO can do.  Expect "a sparklingly fresh package of pathos, foolery and high-class music making" (Opera Now), as well as the unexpected.

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what they thought...

"Charles Court Opera may do small scale operettas but never give small scale performances!"
★★★★
Islington Gazette

"Cheerfully tongue in cheek...  singing that is light and flexible..."
Evening Standard

"They can sing, dance & make you laugh until you cry:
portmanteau G&S at its very best.  Don’t miss this firework!"
★★★★★
The Arts Desk

Original Cast:
Robin Oakapple Matthew Kellett
Richard Dauntless Philip Lee
Sir Despard John Savournin
Old Adam Simon Masterton-Smith
Rose Maybud Rebecca Moon
Mad Margaret Cassandra McCowan
Dame Hannah Amy J Payne
Zorah Andrea Tweedale
Ruth Susie Buckle

"If you are on the prowl for an uproariously funny operetta with a fabulous cast, then look no further than Charles Court Opera"
★★★★
fringeopera.com

"A cracking night at the theatre that puts many of the current West End extravaganzas to shame."
★★★★
londoncitynights.com

"These guys make opera appear effortless... the performances are simply brilliant... full of nuance and humour"
★★★★
everythingtheatre

"This is Charles Court Opera at their best...
a gloriously gothic... scarily funny and uproarious production....
I couldn't ask for more!" 
★★★★
grumpygaycritic

"For an evening of light-hearted comic opera you cannot go wrong."
★★★★
Planet Hugill

"A cause for celebration. John Savournin adds another delightful presentation to the company’s repertoire."
britishtheatreguide

"What Fun! ... you're in for a treat."
broadwayworld.com

"If you think Gilbert & Sullivan cannot be entertaining, go and see this production and you will change your mind.
So much fun should not be missed!"
uktheatre.net

"a glorious comic romp...
dynamic and brightly-sung..."
 bachtrack.com

"a show of the highest quality. a terrific cast... Channeling Stephen Fry in the most glorious way, John Savournin as the old evil-Baronet"
bargaintheatreland.com

"A cracking production... A cast this strong means fans and newcomers are guaranteed to leave happy."
onceaweektheatre.com