The Mikado

I knew I was about to see a completely different production of 'The Mikado' when I was handed a programme - a school exercise book, no less! Once again, the Artistic Director of this fine company, Anita Adams, has re-evented and updated the story from the Land of Titipu and given it a new lease of life, supported by the Musical Director, Jonathan Drummond. My previous recollections of 'The Mikado' were of Japanese costumes, wigs and make-up - here, Anita has transported the action to a private school, Saint Titus is Pure School (wonderful play on words) in 1978, where preparations are in hand for Japanese Day and an imminent visit from the Local Authority Inspector, in the guise of one, Mick Ado - clever touch! The drama teacher then proceeds to imagine how the school prepares for the visit in a very different way! Here we have a school caretaker (played very well by Matthew Oglesby) as Nanki-Poo, with flower-power costume and wig, a sweet mini-skirted Yum-Yum, played and sung beautifully by Rowena Thornton. Anita has kept faithfully to the libretto of Mr Gilbert, with its political and social satire but the twist is in the staging. All our favourite actors are here - John Tattersall, a laconic school secetary, transformed to Pish-Tush with Andrew Aspland as the Headmaster/Pooh-Bah (in charge of everything!) A highlight was Jason Weightman as Head of PE and Games, transformed into Ko-Ko, the Lord High Executioner, resplendent in gym kit and showing a great pair of legs (I've got him on my list!). Heather Pennwood (Pitti-Sing) and Emma Smith (Peep-Bo) were the other two 'little maids from school', making a girly trio with Yum-Yum. A hilarious touch was in the transforming of Katisha from a school dinner lady, with apron and hair rollers, played excellently by Sarah Case. Rounding off the principals was Matt Stirk, playing with his usual verve, Mick Ado, sorry, The Mikado himself and Scott Pennwood as the Drama Teacher, responsible for all the mayhem, dressed rather fetchingly in black beret and sunglasses! As in all G&S operettas, the story twists and turns but all ends 'happily ever after'!

Once again, I must congratulate Anita on her vision for this production - it's not easy to attempt to up-date 'The Mikado' and keep traditionalists happy, but we must move forward and encourage interest on 'G&S' to make it more fun for younger audiences, otherwise it will be lost forever. The striking and imaginative private school set, designed by Anita Adams and Matt Stirk, fitted perfectly onto the Carriageworks stage, constructed by a team headed by Paul Myers.

The Musical Director, Jonathan Drummond, was on top form - with just a piano accompaniment, played by Phillip Voldman, he fairly zipped the score along (and not a note changed or cut) - as always the singing was of the highest quality and the principals were supported by well-rehearsed ensemble (principals in their own right).

The creative team were as always, professional in their approach, a great back-up for the cast. This was a most enjoyable production and one that will stay with me for some time - I give full marks and a gold star to everyone involved!

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