The Mikado

Is there a better way to spend an early summer`s evening than to be entertained by a society performing Gilbert and Sullivan`s most popular opera The Mikado.

It was obvious that everyone in the audience enjoyed the overture under the direction of Pat Swales-Barker, returning to the post of musical director after many years.

The very simple set remained the same apart from a few variations throughout the show. As ever the chorous must be compimented on their able support of the principal charecters. Everyone made good use of the stage and kept contact with the audience.Costumes were colourful and plausible.

The highlight for me was the performance of Ivor Phillips playing the role of Ko-Ko, his first appearance on stage for sixteen years. His interpretation of "Tit Willow" was particularly poignant, along with his natural comedy, timing and delivery.Alison Phillips who played Katisha gave a good performance and came over as the real villian in the show. Yum Yum was an able opponent to Katisha for the affection on Nanki-Poo confidently performed by Naomi Harrison and Christopher Tilbury respectively. Pitti -Sing(Emma Jones), Pee-Bo ( Ceri Rochester) were right in there with as much mischief as possible. Pish-Tush (Gary Crane) and Poo-Bah (Roger Leese) were always on hand with good charecterisation. In the role of the Mikado himself who does not appear until the second act was w ell played by John Roach .

The big number of the second act "Here`s a how do you do" deseved the encore demanded the large audience.Congratulations to everyone taking part in any way on stage, backstage, orchestra or front of house.

It was obvious on leaving the theatre that all had enjoyed their visit to the town of Titipu.

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