Here is a transcription of the article...

TALENTED VILLAGERS

RUDDIGORE PRESENTED BY FILKINS PLAYERS

FINE SINGING

​

  Probably one of the most difficult stage shows to do really well is a Gilbert and Sullivan opera. However, any fears that might have been entertained with regard to the performance of “Ruddigore” at Filkins Institute by the Broughton Poggs and Filkins Players were dismissed after the singing of the first madrigal.

  The performance could not help but please, and the Players are to be congratulated on the way in which the difficulties surrounding such a presentation were overcome, and to be commended for their playing of the opera which Gilbert declared to be one of his three favourites.

Of the singing, it can at once be said that little of the beauty of Sullivan’s music was lost, and high tribute must be paid to the conductor, Miss Lois Wainwright, for the excellent standard maintained throughout. This standard was typified by the singing of Mrs. Katherine Ford, who played the part of Rose Maybud in a charming and confident manner.

​

In a Dual Role

  The Rev. R. F. Fletcher gave a masterly performance of the dual role of Robin Oakapple and Sir Ruthven Murgatroyd, and was well deserving of the applause that rewarded him. Mr. Sidney Webb went wholeheartedly for the part of Richard Dauntless, and the result was most entertaining.

  A part demanding clever acting was that of Mad Margaret, and Mrs. Cynthia Fletcher did not disappoint.

  A praiseworthy performance was given by Mr. George Webb, who at the last minute had to take the part of Sir Despard Murgatroyd for Mr. George Withers, who was taken ill.

  In the second act the playing of Mr. T. W. Dugdale as the ghost of Sir Roderick Murgatroyd was one of the highlights, and he and Miss Barbara James (Dame Hannah) did full justice to the charming duet which is contained in this act.

Mr. Charles James, as Old Adam Goodheart, acted the part of the faithful servant to a nicety.

​

The Cast

The full cast was: Barbara James (Dame Hannah), Rita Cock (Zorah), Eira Griffiths (Ruth), Katherine Ford (Rose Maybud), Ronald Fletcher (Sir Ruthven Murgatroyd), Charles James (Old Adam Goodheart), Sidney Webb (Richard Dauntless), Cynthia Fletcher (Mad Margaret), George Webb (Sir Despard Murgatroyd), T. W. Dugdale (the Ghost of Sir Roderick Murgatroyd); J. Ince, E. Prior, D. Puffit, H. Rayner, M. Robbins, C. Stock, F. Whiteley (professional bridesmaids and village women); T. Allen, G. Giles, R. Giles, H. Gregson, G. James and G. Webb (Sir Despard’s evil crew and ghosts of former baronets). The accompanist was Miss Alice Stroud.

The dresses were made by Mrs. Fletcher and Mrs. Robbins, whose work was instrumental in making a large saving in expenses.

The scenery in the first act, a fishing village, was painted by Mr. R. Morley and Mr. S. M. Hodgkin, and the portrait in the second act by Mr. Morley.

  The proceeds of the production, which commenced on Saturday night and continued until Wednesday, were in aid of the Personal Service League in the north-eastern distressed area.

​Ronald Fletcher ('First Lord of The Admiralty' in this production of 'HMS Pinafore') was the rector of the parish of Broughton Poggs from 1930 to 1942. In fact, Mr Fletcher was the last rector, for in 1942 Broughton Poggs was re-united with Filkins parish. 'Re-united', for there had been a short-lived unification after St Peter's Church, Filkins was built in 1857.

   You can find more information about the Parish of Broughton Poggs in the booklet 'Two Churches: one Saint Peter' available from The Filkins Press.