There were some fine performances from Eastbourne Gilbert and Sullivan Society members in their production of Ruddigore (The Witch's Curse) at Devonshire Park Theatre.

Gilbert's lyrics were excellent, but Sullivan's melodies were not really memorable in what is one of their lesser-known operettas.

It is based in a Cornish fishing village, with a rather dull setting among Home Guards and Land Army girls.

In the nearby Ruddigore Castle, the Baronets of Ruddigore have been cursed by a witch who was burnt at the stake by the first Baronet. Anyone who succeeds to the title has to commit a crime every day or perish in agony.

Young farmer Robin Oakapple has a secret - he is really Sir Ruthven Murgatroyd, the rightful Baronet of Ruddigore. His younger brother, Despard, believing him to be dead, has assumed the title.

Ruthven falls in love with local beauty Rose, but is too shy to tell her. He asks his foster brother Richard to help him woo her. Seeking Rose himself, Richard tells Despard of Robin's deception and Robin is forced to acknowledge his true identity.

The second half brought the show to life with humorous performances by Neil Horstcraft as Sir Ruthven, Paul Eccles (Despard) and Sandra Tomlinson (Mad Margaret).

Jane Tingley, as Rose, sang beautifully, though some of her words were unclear and at times it was hard to follow the plot. Christopher Peck (Richard) had tuning problems, but, together with John Kimberley, Ken Martin and Margot Miller, added valuable experience.