THE STORY IN BRIEF

et in the Cornish fishing vil- and the wedding of Robin and Slage of Reddering, Act I Rose is rudely interrupted. Sir opens with Dame Hannah nar- Despard, now a virtuous person, GREG STEWART Robin Oakapple rating to a chorus of professional declares that he will be true to Greg was a soloist with The Proclaimers Gospel bridesmaids the legend of the bad Mad Margaret, despite Rose's Group before moving into pubs and clubs with Baronets of - doomed offer to wed him. She then, not middle of the road band 'Loose Arrangement'. by a witch's curse to commit at at all abashed, falls back upon His excursions into theatre since this time have least one crime each day, or suf- Richard. included roles in local productions of THE PIRA TES OF PENZANCE, and fer an agonising death. ct 2 takes place in the picture OKLAHOMA Greg is currently teaching English Upon this scene enters Rose Agallery of Ruddigore Castle, (Literature) at Warrandyte High School. Maybud, an attractive damsel with the portraits of his ancestors who has not yet found a husband. looking grimly down upon a She is drawn to Robin Oakap- sadly changed Robin. pie, a young farmer, but manners After reluctantly giving his con- and modesty prevent her from sent to the marriage of Rose and making this apparent. Robin Richard, Robin makes an impas- secretly returns her regard, but is sioned plea to his ancestors to too bashful to declare his passion. help him. Led by his Uncle We learn that Robin is really Sir Roderick, they step down from Ruthven Murgatroyd, Baronet their picture frames, accusing JENNI WILLIAMS Rose Maybud of Ruddigore, who has fled from him of evading the terms of the This is Jenni's first G & S production. She has the title and the curse, leaving curse and order him to carry off a played the lead in the musical GREASE (Sandy) both to be borne by his young maiden. After suffering a sample and played second female lead in SHEER LUCK brother Despard. Robin's true of the agonies they can inflict, HOLMES (Cynthia Huntington Smythe). Jenni identity is known only to his Robin agrees, and sends Adam to has also sung in the Macleod High Madri}Jal Choir and other small choirs. She has studied faithful retainer, Adam, and his bring him a maiden. dancing Oazzand ballet) and has studied sing- foster brother, Richard Daunt- A reformed Despard and Mar- ing for four years under Mavis Ford. less. garet now appear, to beg Robin to Richard, a sailor returning from forswear his wicked ways. He the sea, volunteers to resolve the declares that he will do so, when deadlock between the young Adam enters with his abducted lovers, but upon meeting Rose maiden - the redoubtable Dame falls in love with her himself, Hannah. She proves so capable JOHN TACEY RichardDauntless proposes and is accepted. of protecting herself that Robin John has a vast and varied musical experience. However, Rose then learns of calls upon Roderick for help, As a member of the Melbourne Youth Choir, he Robin's love for her, and trans- resulting in the sentimental has performed before the Prince and Princess fers her affection to one who is reunion of a pair of past lovers. of Wales backing Marcia Hines and has also clearly a better prospect. Robin interrupts their reverie sung with Bar/)' Manilow. He currently sings with The Faye Dumont Singers of which he IS Mad Margaret enters. She has with the solution to the problem. also the manager. As well as singing, John also been in love with Despard, the Since refusal to commit a crime Rlays the Clan net and Clarinet with the present bad Baronet. Interrupt- is tantamount to suicide, which is Croydon Concert Band, and has conducted the mg the chorus, Despard tells of in itself a crime, the curse is in- band on numerous occasions. , his infamous deeds, but points operative. Sir Roderick must , John has performed in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF out also his attempts to atone for therefore still be alive and Rose and with the Victorian State Youth Com- them. Richard, dnven by the dic- marries a reformed Robin amid pany THE RIME OF THE ANCIENT MARINER. Last tates of his heart, reveals to general rejoicing. year he played Nanki-Poo in our production of Despard Robin's true identity, . BERYL NICHOLS Dame Hannah A "dramatic mezzo ", Beryl competed successfully in eisteddfods, reaching the semi- PETER HEATH Sir Despard Murgatroyd finals of the Sun Aria. Her stage experience Peter is a man of wide and varied theatrical ex- began with White Orchid Ensemble, and con- perience with roles in Jack Hibberd's STRETCH tinued with the Regent Dramatic Society. As OF THE IMAGINATION, CYRANO DE BERGERAC well as being Musical Director and Stage (Melbourne Theatre Company), Moliere's TAR- Manager, she played roles in OKLAHOMA, TUFFE(Anthili Theatre Comp~myl, UBU THE KING SOUTH PACIFIC, CAROUSEL, PAINT YOUR WAGON (Universal Theatre), to mention Just a few. and BRIGADOON. More recently she has taken Rart in the musical productions of the Eltham Peter has also had many guest appearances in Singers, an adult singing group associated with television productions such as CARSON'S LAW, Eltham College. Beryl played Katisha in THE COP SHOP, PRISONER, NEIGHBOURS, PRIME TIME, MIKADO last year. HENDERSON KIDS and FL YING DOCTORS.

FIONA WAKE Mad Margaret Eighteen rear old Fiona !s a first year N~Jrs!ng Student a P.I.T. While Fiona has been singing ROD GORFINE Sir Roderick with Reflection Youth Choir for the past ttlree Rod has been a G & S slJecialist since his first years and performing solo in churches, she has role in high school, as Ko-Ko in THE MIKADO. also participated in school and church plays and Last year, in our MIKADO, he played Pooh Bah. musicals such as CAROLINE CHISHOLM, SOUTH He has worked for seven seasons with the SEC PACIFIC and THE VICTOR. After successfully G & S Company, taking principal roles in PRIN- completing V.C.E. at Girls Gramm?r CESS IDA, THE PIRA TES OF PENZANCE, THE SOR- School last year, Fionajoined the Ashton-Smith CERER, THE YEOMAN OF THE GUARD and HMS Singers Christmas 1987. PINAFORE. Fiona is currently taking singing lessons from Mavis Ford.

CHRIS LIVINGSTONE Old Adam Despite his claim to being the only cast mem- ber to have sung at Covent Garden (in the Gents' at interval), Chri~'s nar:ne remains littl.e known in Eltham theatncal Circles. Few will LADIES AND GENTLEMEN OF THE CHORUS remember his performances in the Eltham Col- (Diamond Valley Singers) lege staff productions of THE REAL INSPECTOR HOUND and HARLEQUINADE and hopefully fewer still will remember his earlier appearance as the Christmas Fairy, dressed in tou-tou and football Paula Arnold, Janine Bardwell, Marilyn Billing, Betty Chetcuti, Nancy Cornwal- boots. lis, Rena Douglas, Andrea Fitzgerald, Irene Hayes, Merrill Hogan, Annette Jackson, Sue Kleins, Lorraine Knuckey, Margaret Milne, Judith O'Shea, Gael Chris's public singing appearances were mer- Shearer, Rhonda Webb, Helen Werner, Cathy Williams. cifully few until his appearance in the chorus of THE MIKADO last y~ar. This year ~e W?S in- Bert Aperloo, Les Bardwell, Jo Bourke, Don Douglas, James Douglas, Michael veigled into appeanng at the Bendigo Eisted- Knuckey, Allan Luke, David Manzoney, Brent Reichenbach, Neil Tupper. dfod, which rath~r upset th~ atmospher~ of solemnity and senousness which had prevailed until then. RUDDIGORE OVERTURE (or The Witch's Curse) ACT ONE Music by: Sir 1. FAIR IS ROSE Bridesmaids and Zorah Text by: Sir 2. SIR RUPERT MURGA TROYD Hannah and Bridesmaids Director: Graham Ford 3. IF SOMEBODY THERE CHANCED TO BE Rose Producer: Dianne Richter 4. I KNOW A YOUTH Robin and Rose Conductor: Ian Lowe 5. FROM THE BRINY SEA Bridesmaids Choreographer: Rhonda Webb 6. WE SHIPPED D'YE SEE Richard and Bridesmads Orchestra Leader: Mary Wright Rehearsal Pianists: Roger Peck, Ian Lowe, Lois 7. MY BOY, YOU MAY TAKE IT FROM ME Robin and Richard Goodin, Kenneth Peard, Pam 8. THE BATILE'S ROAR IS OVER Richard and Rose Milikan 9. IF WELL HIS SUIT HAS SPED Bridesmaids Stage Manager: Robert Alves Lighting: Alfred Lee 10. IN SAILING O'ER LIFE'S OCEAN WIDE Props: Richard Hayes Rose, Richard and Robin Makeup: Symone Wilson 11. CHEERILY CAROLS THE LARK Margaret Front of House: Peter Cornwallis 12. WELCOME, GENTRY Bridesmaids and Gentry Ticket Sales: Lynne Stevens 13. OH, WHY AM I MOODY AND SAD? Sir Despard and Chorus 14. YOU UNDERSTAND? Richard and Sir Despard CAST 15. HAIL THE BRIDE Ensemble IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE ZORAH (Chief Bridesmaid) Nancy Cornwallis There will be an interval of twenty minutes RUTH (Assistant Bridesmaid) Merrill Hogan DAME HANNAH (Rose's Aunt) Beryl Nichols ROSEMAYBUD Jenni Williams ACT TWO (a Village Maiden) 16. I ONCE WAS AS MEEK Robin and Adam SIR RUTHVEN MURGA TROYD Greg Stewart 17. HAPPILY COUPLED ARE WE Richard, Rose and Bridesmaids (disguised as Robin Oakapple) f 18. IN BYGONE DAYS Rose, Bridesmaids, Robin and Richard OLD ADAM GOODHEART Chris Livingstone (Robin's faithful servant) 19. PAINTED EMBLEMS OF A RACE Ghosts, Robin and Sir Roderick RICHARD DAUNTLESS John Tacey (Robin's foster brother) 20. WHEN THE NIGHT WIND HOWLS Sir Roderick and Ghosts MAD MARGARET Fiona Wake 21. HE YIELDS! Ghosts SIR DESPARD MURGATROYD Peter Heath 23. I ONCE WAS A VERY ABANDONED PERSON (a wicked Baronet) Despard and Margaret SIR RODERICK MURGA TROYD Rod Gorfine 24. MY EYES ARE FULLY OPEN Robin, Despard and Margaret (the late Baronet) 26. THERE GREW A LITILE FLOWER Hannah with Sir Roderick BRIDESMAIDS, GENTRY AND Ladies and Gentlemen of the 27. OH, HAPPY THE LILY Ensemble GHOSTS Diamond Valley Singers BRIEF HISTORY OF RUDDIGORE GRAHAM FORD Director After experiences with various musical comedy "What is the title o/your new opera, Mr. Gilbert?" companies, Graham joined the National Theatre Opera School, playing a number of '"Ruddygore' - or not as good as 'The Mikado'." replied Gilbert. lead parts. He has played lead roles in KISMET, PAINT YOUR WAGON. KISS ME KATE, and several G & S operettas, as well as a num- ber of roles with the semi-professional com- Shortly after the first night, an acquaintance asked Gilbert: pany, Globe Opera. "How is Bloodygore going on?" A Sun Aria semi-finalist, Graham has won the musical comedy and vocal championship at "It is not Bloodygore, it is Ruddygore!" South Street, and appeared on Quest 77 on "Oh! Well, that's the same thing!" Channel 2. He teaches singing locally, and directed TRIAL "Is it?" said Gilbert. "I suppose then you will think that if I say I admire BY JURY in 1985 and has since played the your ruddy countenance, it's the same as if I said I like your bloody cheek! Bosun in PINAFORE and Pish Tush in THE Well it isn't - and I don't!" - MIKADO.

In January! 887, the enormously successful run of THE MIKADO was ter- DIANNE RICHTER Producer minated to make way for the performance of a new Gilbert & Sullivan From Assistant Producer for THE MIKADO, production RUDDYGORE - a parady of Victorian blood-and-thunder Dianne has been promoted to Producer for RUD- melodrama. DIGORE, as well as understudying Dame Han- nah. Dianne is currnetly the secretary of Diamond Public anticipation of another tremendous success was high, and on Valley Singers and has sung solos in THE MES- January 22, 1887, the was packed with celebnties. After SIAHfor the last three years. A singing student the performance, the reaction was divided between two extremes - part of of Graham Ford's, she has sung in .numer~us the audience cheered and the others hissed and shouted "give us back The eisteddfods, and regularly takes part In daytime Mikado". concerts at elderly citizens' centres. Dianne has also performed in a musical review with Elwood Theatre Company and played t~e The newspapers added to the enthusiasm by objecting to the title. To Gil- female lead in a gospel musical at Ormond Unit- bert "Ruddygore" was simply red blood, but several critics considered that, ing Church. although it would do well enough for men, "it would scarcely sound pret- ty on women's lips". Within eleven days Gilbert had changed the 'y' to 'i'.

Choreographer J RHONDA WEBB A further complication developed when the correspondent of the Paris Rhonda is presently Head of the Expressi:ve Figaro accused Gilbert of havmg insulted France and the French Navy, Arts Faculty at Loyola College, V:Jatsonl.a, and this accusation mounted to Ambassadorial level. This necessitated an teaching Dance and has been associated With attempt to explain the British sense of humour (in French!) to quell the Greensborough/Janelle Calisthe~ics C911ege tempest. since 1976. She has vast expenence In tne field of calisthenics, tap and baflet dancing and aerobics. Despite this stormy beginning, RUDDIGORE ran for 288 performances, Rhonda's choreography experience includes: the Combined Scnools' Choir performances in causing Gilbert to remark, "I could do with a few more such failures!". It Darwin (which was filmed by the ABC) in contains many memorable items, such as Richard's "Parly-vous" song, 1981/82; folk and modern dance items for the Roderick's "The Ghost's High Noon" and the brilliant "matter" trio of the North Australian Eisteddford; school produc- second act, and is a well-established and popular representative of the Gil- tions; and Education Department (Northern bert & Sullivan range. Territory and Victoria) promotional displays. Rhonda was the Valley Musical Society's choreographer for last year's production of THE MIKADO. DIAMOND VALLEY SINGERS IAN LOWE Musical Director Ian has conducted the Eltham Community Or- In 1985 Ian Lowe rang the Fords and asked them to help with a perfor- chestra for over nine years, preparing the or- mance of with the Eltham Orchestra. Rehearsals started and chestra for programs of serious ana lighter the Valley Musical Society was born. works, always of popular appeal. He has also There were two perfonnances of TRIAL BY JURY with other items by the or- acted as musical director for the several perfor- chestra, and $13UO was raised for World Vision. Because of the nature of mances by the Valley Musical Societ" of the cause, rehearsal venues were, and still are, provided free of charge by Handel's MESSIAH and the annual G & S productions to assist World Vision's overseas the Diamond Creek and Greensborough Uniting Churches. aid program. Since this start, the Society has perfonned three seasons of Handel's MES. lan's other musical direction has included OK- SIAH, two more Gilbert and Sullivans (HMS PINAFORE and THE MIKADO), LAHOMA for Warrandyte High School, THE and some smaller works including assisting at the Diamond Valley and El- WIZARD OF OZ for Eltham Little Theatre and tham Carols By Candlelight. PEACE CHILD for the Eltham and Diamond Proceeds continue to be donated to World Vision each year, and to date Valley Youth Theatre. total over $6,000. Ian is also a competent pianist, and has recorded Australian piano pieces for Considerable work has been done this year, preparing a Constitution and 3MBS which are regularly broadcast. He enjoys music as a relaxing hobby applying for Incorporation. As part of tllis process, a special meeting was from his profession as a mathematics educator (teacher and text book author). held and the name of the Society changed to the Diamond Valley Singers, to more closely associate the group With the local area. THE ORCHESTRA They have already been invited to perfonn at both Greensborough and El- tham Festivals later in the year. VIOLINS Mary Wright (leader), Ethel Newton, Wilma Ezard, At one of the first MIKADO rehearsals, a new chorus member, Rhonda Martin Murnane, Rod Robertson, Nola Thomson, Webb, asked if the ~rouJ2required a choreographer, a position they were Clause Beuscher, David Sadedin, Paul Watson currently trying to fill. Though often having cause to regret her moment of enthusiasm, it has been regretted more by some members of the male VIOLAS Shiela Nye, Eric Pool, Rosemary Henderson chorus on mornings following rehearsals. Audiences, however, have been CELLOS Greg Pullen, Elaine Neely, Ray Banks, Graham most enthusiastic with the results. Croft With this support from members of the company, none of whom are paid, the Society hopes to continue to raise money for charity and provide op- BASS David Rawlinson portunities for local sinzers. New members are welcome, and if interested FLUTES Mary Keusgen, Betty Martin, Len Johnstone mterestedparties shoufd fill out the insert included in the program or calj Graham Ford on 4381957. OBOE Dennis Thiel THE EL THAM COMMUNITY ORCHESTRA CLARINETS Derek Wright, Robert Knappert HORNS Geoff Morris, David Mileshkin, Anne Bourke The Eltham Community Orchestra practises wee!

World Vision began in 1950, developing from the work of an American, Dr. Bob Pierce, in help- ing orphans and displaced children during the Korean war. From a beginning in childcare, the work of World Vision has ex- panded to provide help, en- couragement, education, training and care to millions of men, women and children in over 80 countries. The aim is not simply to give goods and services but to enable needy people to survive and to become self-reliant in their own com- munities. World Vision seeks to provide a total ministry, meeting the physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs of individuals and communities. World Vision of Australia was es- tablished in 1966. 1t is now the largest non-government aid agen- cy in Australia. Completely autonomous, with its own board of directors, World Vision of Australia works in association with partners in New Zealand, Hong Kong, Canada, Britain, Europe, USA and Southern Africa to plan and fund programs to as- sist people in developing countries. As a non-denominational Chris- tian agency, World Vision demonstrates the love of God through healing the sick, minister- ing to the needy and delivering the oppressed. World Vision employees come from different Christian backgrounds and share a common regardfor the dignity of all people.