Mikado

The Mikado set in Japan to satirise British politics and institutions - how apt it is still fitting today and remains one of the most frequently performed G&S works. It was announced at the beginning that Musical Director Rod Dakin would be retiring after some 20 years - I am sure there will be big shoes to fill. As always, the orchestra was superbly led by Rod and the overture was received with rapturous applause, rightly so!

The curtain opened to bright coloured set complete with pink blossom tree up centre stage, which created the right scene immediately - giving the ambience of Japan and a sense of depth to the set. Set construction David Kay, Derek Morris, Paul Dainton, Richard Lewis and Rob McGee.  Lighting Steve Cheetham and Sound Lea Royse and Elodie Perrier also added to the scene to create the desired effect needed.

Costume looked good and the Gentlemen of Japan looked very striking in black. As did the Ladies of Japan in their black and white with appropriate wigs. It had a very modern feel but it worked. Costumes looked good throughout, I was confused by there being more than just three maids? Katisha’s and The Mikado outfits were stunning.  Re. make up - I wasn’t sure about the black marks on the faces for the gentlemen’s sideburns without matching hair colour.

Nanki Poo played by David Griffiths as the wandering minstrel in disguise takes on the role of the guy who would rather beheaded and have a month with his love than live without her: his voice was gorgeous

Poo-Bah (Lord High Everything Else) played by Ken Rees, got the audience on his side straight off with a wardrobe malfunction and like a true professional instead of hiding it, made something of it and got a round of applause: a tribute to live theatre - that’s what happens - embrace it! Lots of laughs and any authoritative title, he claimed it. . .“I can’t help it I was born sneering!” Excellent performance.

Ko-Ko played by David Kay also had the audience with him, as Lord High Executioner of Titipu it was pretty obvious he would not have the will or inclination to behead anyone. The names on the list song, which is traditionally updated with whoever is in government at the time: what a pool we have at the moment from Donald Trump to Nigel Farage and even getting a few Brexits in there - genius and well delivered.

The Three Little Maids Yum-Yum played by Victoria Goulden, Pitti-Sing Played by Lauren Smith and Peep-Bo Played by Jennie Heywood worked really well together and sang beautifully as expected of the Maids.

Katisha played by Susan Bradley playing the cougar, gloriously costumed and entrance that would have any man running for the hills whatever age – brilliant!

The Mikado of Japan played by David Reeves looked just the part in his costume - I do think at times he could have been bigger and even more scary (just my opinion).

I must say the cast had great diction and you could hear every word, the whole cast worked well together and you could see everyone was having a great time, the Ladies and Gentlemen of Japan supporting the action all the way through.

Well done Three Towns and thank you so much for inviting my guest and I and making us both feel so welcome. Your front of house display was a lovely touch!

 

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