Society/Production Company: Oxford University Gilbert and Sullivan Society
Show Title: RUDDIGORE - 32nd International Gilbert and Sullivan Festival
Content Warnings: TWs: reference to suicide, misogynistic language (subject to editing), torture (comic).
Venue/Dates of Show: 13th August in Pavilion Arts Centre, Buxton (part of 32nd International Gilbert and Sullivan Festival)
Deadline: 23:59, Friday 24th April 2026
Audition Type: both - in-person preferred
Description: Synopsis
Ruddigore follows Robin Oakapple, a farmer in love with the etiquette-obsessed Rose Maybud - much to the delight of the town's corps of professional bridesmaids. However, unbeknownst to all but his trusty servant Old Adam and foster brother Dick Dauntless, he is truly Ruthven Murgatroyd, the bad baronet of Ruddigore. Their young romance is rudely interrupted when he is outed by his younger brother and current bad bart Despard. Ruthven is forced to return to Castle Ruddigore, and be tormented by the ghosts of his ancestors until he commits his daily crime. This leaves Dick free to marry Rose, and Despard free to live a blameless life with his true love Mad Margaret. Shenanigans ensue, and all is resolved when the ghosts come back to life, freeing Robin from the baronetcy and allowing all to live happily ever after (fallacy somewhere, I fancy!).
Audition Process
You have the option of attending an in-person audition in 0th week of Trinity or of submitting a self tape. Please submit your self-tape to samuel.forrest@sjc.ox.ac.uk, elizabeth.farrand@oriel.ox.ac.uk, and esme.harper@oriel.ox.ac.uk after submitting this form by 23:59, Friday 24th April 2026. You can choose a timeslot for an in-person audition here: https://calendly.com/ruddigore2026/audition.
Your audition should comprise:
- A song of your choice (ideally 1-3 mins). This can be any song you wish, although if you feel comfortable performing a G&S song, please do. Choose one that shows off what you can do individually, not necessarily one you think will impress us. Remember, we care about you, not the song! A capella is absolutely fine! You do not need to perform from memory.
- 1-2 monologues from the following extracts: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1i26HYYi_g2lCc7o2mHgp5HkqRe5HXmqYuSUYi9swI_Y/
This does not have to be from any of the characters you wish to be considered for, nor one from your voice part or gender identity. You do not need to perform from memory. At an in-person audition we may ask you to perform one of the other monologues, or to do one or two dramatic exercises with us.
Character List
Roles are given here with their ranges from the score. Please note that these ranges can be adjusted here and there if necessary. Please also note that all principal roles will involve some singing in chorus as well.
- Rose Maybud (soprano, Bb3-Bb5)
- Robin Oakapple (comic baritone, F#2-E4)
- Dick Dauntless (tenor, C3-Bb4)
- Sir Despard Murgatroyd (bass-baritone, F#2-Eb4 (opt. F#4))
- Mad Margaret (mezzo-soprano, A3-F#5)
- Dame Hannah (alto, Ab3-E5)
- Sir Roderic Murgatroyd (bass-baritone, Ab2-D4)
- Old Adam (bass, Eb2-D4)
- Zorah (soprano, D4-G5)
- Ruth (speaking-only)
- Chorus of Ghosts (bass and tenor)
- Chorus of Bridesmaids (alto and soprano)
Link to Audition Pack: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/srtjNfuS4a