Hot Mikado

The ‘Hot Mikado’ is a modern jazz style musical based on the traditional Gilbert and Sullivan show of 'The Mikado'. The story, which is set in Japan, revolves around the love troubles of two young sweethearts. This love, due to numerous ancient laws, is not easy to achieve with the threat of being executed or buried alive along with a plain faced older woman claiming her man by rules of the flirting law which all stand in the way of this relationship. In the end, when the Mikado visits the city, everything is put straight after an initial web of lies gets out of hand. 

On entering the theatre, the stage was set with the on stage orchestra already in place.  After the Overture, the opening of the show gave us the 'Gentlemen of Japan' routine which got off to a slightly laboured start noticing a couple of mistakes made in the dance routine by various cast members. This soon changed and the show picked up pace. The levels of energy and enthusiasm were second to none as the cast all warmed up. The vocals and execution of dance moves all improved after the slightly shaky start.

Characterisations by all cast members were superb and maintained throughout. The principal cast members were marvellous, all of whom played believable roles and the relationships within the story also seemed true. The modern day influences on some of the humour within the show were very much appreciated with the amount of laugher from the audience showing that this was very well done. The choreography of the production with Charleston and Jive influences was first class and complimented the style of music exceptionally well. The use of the stage throughout the dance routines managed to cover a lot of the floor with interesting variations in movement creating many shapes which were very effective. 

The set was a simple construction but worked very effectively with the two different levels enabling numbers to be performed at different heights which improved the visual appearance of the production making it more interesting to watch, the set certainly looked good although a spindle in the fencing did fall out which was quickly removed by a cast member and then fixed during the interval.

The sound was well managed with the balance between the orchestra and vocals being maintained to adequate levels. The radio microphones worked very well with the clear amplification of all voices, the vocals also made everyone sit up in their seats so as not to miss a note.

The lighting design was also good and the props looked fantastic and were very well used.

The show ended on a high with the whole cast and audience enjoying themselves. The finale gave everyone involved a feel good factor meaning we all left with smiles on our faces. There were so many highlights within this show making it hard to single out any one section to be our favourite so we have chosen three. The 'I’ve Got A Little List' routine, due to the fantastic use of modern comedy and superb characterisation was thoroughly enjoyable. The musical number 'For He’s Gunna Marry Yum-Yum' also stood out due to the outstanding vocals. In addition to these we also loved 'The Mikado Song' as the choreography was superb.
 
Overall, this show was a first class production which contained no weak links. The singing, dancing and acting were all exceptional providing a fabulous spectacle which transported all who watched away from reality for the time they were in the theatre.

We understand it has been a difficult time for the society and the direction of this musical was not made easy by some late changes in the cast. This said, if a society can produce a show of this quality with many aspects working against them, they will surely last for many years to come.
 
We would like to thank ‘Sale & Altrincham Musical Theatre’ for their kind hospitality and wish them all the best for the future.

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