Hot Mikado

One of the most striking things about this company is that every person on stage is evidently having a great time and totally involved in the production. The fun and enjoyment on stage comes across to the audience who can immediately sit back knowing that they too are in for an enjoyable evening.

Hot Mikado is a bit of a romp and the cast oozed enthusiasm, verve and vitality. While the  storyline and dialogue follow that of the original ‘Mikado’ the mixture of jazz, blues and rock music must surely be something that even Gilbert and Sullivan purists can still enjoy. There were some excellent performances. Sarah McKinlay was a charming Yum Yum. I have seen this young lady in previous productions and she certainly shows great versatility in the roles she has played. Her relationship with Nanki Poo (Andrew Taylor) was truly believable. This young man has a very pleasing voice and gave a most sincere performance. Katie Bell with her rich jazzy voice and bright personality brought the part of Pitti-Sing to life while Mariel Main (Peep-Bo) completed the trio of little maids. I did enjoy Paul Cookes rather subtle performance as Koko particularly his ‘Tit Willow’ where he successfully brought out the pathos and humour in the song. The bold Katisha was brilliantly played by Debbie Beveridge who commanded the stage and had just the right voice for this part. Her two solo numbers were rich and expressive. Pooh-Bah (MartinHay) was played in the style of the Godfather and was very convincing in his various cameo characters as Lord High Everything Else. The 'Big Cat' of Japan (Willie French) the Mikado himself certainly had the crowd cowering with his powerful demeanour.

Apart from some fine solo numbers there was some impressive ensemble work. The unaccompanied ‘Swing a Merry Madrigal’ was memorable with harmonies coming through loud and clear. The big production numbers too were vocally strong especially the rousing gospel style singing in the finale of Act 1 where the company really let their hair down. The young and  the more mature members of the cast were undoubtedly loving it.

Clever direction and jazzy innovative choreography including some neat tap dancig made this a lively, energetic production enhanced with colourful costumes. A good orchestra kept the whole show swinging along.

As always it was real pleasure to visit St. Philips who certainly did deliver a real Hot Mikado ! Well done everybody.

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