Hot Mikado

On leaving the auditorium a comment was made,  `that`s certainly different`, and  I would go along with that.  To update a Gilbert and Sullivan classic, moving libretto and music to a 1940`s American nightclub is not for the purist.  The music has been given the Swing and Jazz treatment, where  Nanki-Poo becomes a trumpet playing cabaret act and the Mikado becomes a local mafia boss.

The stage is a one set Jazz Club with the cabaret band on stage throughout.  This updated version certainly had pace and vitality.  Great credit should go to the chorus who were most effective,  and made good use of their well organised routines.  Their involvement was the most by a chorus I have seen for a long time.

Julie Berisford`s Yum- Yum was an ideal partner for Craig Arme`s  Nanki- Poo, while Lynn Towle was an impressive Katisha, impeccable singing particularly  in `The Hour of Gladness`.   Comedy was mainly in the hands of Jacob Gates Orgill as Ko-Ko , and Tom Banks as Poo-Bah.  Good vocals from Adrian Redfern as Pish-Tush and Chris Banks, a lovable roguish Mikado.  Donna Smith as Peep-Bo and Rachael Wyatt as Pitti-Sing completed the principal line-up.  Their trio of `Three Little Maids`, with Julie Berisford, sung in the style of the Andrews Sisters,  was  a highlight.

Overall a good evening`s entertainment,  and yes,  it certainly was different.

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