The Hot Mikado

The question is, was it HOT or was it not ? – well, it was definitely HOT!  This show has been around for quite a few years now and it was good to see this production from LOS, the second time they have produced it over the years.  Director Collette Goodwin and her team ensured that all on stage were very well cast and that included the ensemble – excellent and lively dancing.

Of course, all the well loved characters from Gilbert & Sullivan’s original Mikado were there with the trio of girls headed by Amy Reynolds as Yum Yum giving a really delightful performance, using her lovely voice to great advantage.  Pitti-Sing and Peep-Bo played by Lucy Newth and Holly Hewes, were also a delight. 

Great performances from Philip Sherrard as Nanki-Poo, Tom Freeman as Ko Ko, Andy Freeman as Lord High Everything Else, Pooh-Bah, and Jamie Cranfield as Pish-Tush, all making the most of their every appearance.

It was good to see Neil Horstcraft on stage again and in his sparkly suit was everything a Mikado should be in this jazzy production.  Kat Casterton played Katisha in an ideal bloodthirsty manner – disappointed in her first love but a great pairing with The Lord High Executioner in the end.  They really did deserve each other!

The costumes were amazing – a real riot of colour on stage whenever and whatever was going on.  Well done to the whole wardrobe team.

Nick Hazle and Colin Reynolds designed the set which was beautifully Japanese – also the lighting team certainly made  great use of the sun and moon in that lovely aria sung by Yum Yum.

As mentioned above, the lively dancing was a joy to watch, choreographed by the Director with the help of Gemma Coe and Sarah Sawyer as Dance Captains.

The orchestra was high up – almost behind the scenes and we were assured of a really great sound from them as soon as the overture started, thanks to Musical Director Carl Greenwood and his talented musicians.  The programme was well devised and a really good read.

Productions such as this can only be successful with great team work and this was no exception so congratulations to all involved.

Another excellent production from LOS Musical Theatre and I’m sure that stage is still ringing with memories of a really Hot Mikado.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.