Gilbert and Sullivan's special brand of gay nonsense proved to be as popular as ever with the audience at Marton Parish Church Choral and Operatic Society's streamlined production of "Ruddigore" which began its week's run at the church hall last night.
  In this story of love and marriage Barbara Darbyshire is the perfect heroine.   She combines a clear, ringing soprano voice, a charming face and figure, a gift for comedy and a most piquant sauciness of manner.
  Playing opposite her, Kenneth Nicholls survives the metamorphosis from diffident village boy to bad baronet and proves himself to be more than equal to both characters.
  His foster brother, a devil-may-care sailor, is played with panache by Donald Sheerin, whose pleasant tenor and nimble dancing contibute to the opera's gaiety.
  The potential villain of the piece, Sir Despard Murgatroyd, looks properly saturnine, but proves that he can care deeply for respectability.   He is played by William Moister, and his betrothed, Mad Margaret, last night's favourite among the younger members of the audience, by Dorothy Brookfield.
  Margaret Hinton's wonderfully rich contralto makes the best of a small part and Charles G. Kay is an impressive spectre.
  Other principal parts are played by William Darbyshire, June Bradley and Isabel Nicholls.
  The choruses are excellent, particularly the chorus of out-of -work professional bridesmaids.
  Under the direction of Robert Atherton, the orchestra makes an impressive contribution to the opera's total effect.
  The producer, to whom the credit for a smooth and efficient performance must go, is Jennifer Straughton.
  Proceeds of the opera will go to the church extension fund.                                  M.M.