CityLife

Gilbert and Sullivan's witty burlesque Victorian melodrama is one of their most inventive confections. When mild-mannered Robin Oakapple is revealed as the villainous Sir Ruthven Murgatroyd, inheritor of the curse of Ruddigore (he must commit a crime everyday), his romance with the faultlessly virtuous Rose Maybud looks doomed. But his troubles really start when he proves singularly unequal to the task of fulfilling the curse, and his ancestors' portraits begin to haunt him. Although still in his 30s, John Wilson already has an enviable reputation as a conductor, arranger and orchestrator, with a special flair for light music. With direction by Jo Davies, whose work spans musical and spoken theatre as well as opera, and sets and costumes by distinguished designer Richard Hudson, the team will ensure that Opera North's new production supplies a welcome winter treat.