The Mikado

This well loved and most popular of all the G&S comic operas is still performed regularly, despite being 134 years old.    The humour is timeless and the characters easily recognisable in society today.   We have the cheeky chancer Ko-Ko who lives off his wits, the pompous and superior Pooh-Bah (shades of certain MPs today!), an attractive young heroine, far more knowledgeable about life than she likes to pretend “Well, of course I know nothing about things know; but I’ve no objection if it’s usual” and so on!

With its sparkling melodies, well drawn story and its attractive Japanese setting, with colourful costumes, it is considered a sure-fire draw for any G&S company to stage.

On the rather compact village hall stage, director Jackie Shearer, musical director Roger Wilman and choreographer Gill Eve produced a most pleasing  production, backed up by a largely experienced set of principals and a small but enthusiastic chorus.   Suitable and eye-catching costumes mainly in  blue and silver with requisite fans, including a giant one.

David Mortimer, the lone pianist, did sterling work on his keyboard and though this show really needs a band, he provided excellent accompaniment and did full justice to the melodious overture, when all ears were on himalone. This is no criticism, however,as all amateur companies have to live within their means or go under.    Roger conducted with assurance and ensured the company gave their vocal best.

A relatively simple but pleasing set of a courtyard in Ko-Ko’s palace provided the backdrop to an enthusiastic though sparse opening chorus of noblemen to open the action.   Nanki-Poo, played with much skill by the experienced tenor Kevin Wood made his well-loved entrance as ”a wandering Minstrel” to a typically snooty reception – ah, the plight of “lowly” musicians.   ‘Twas ever thus!

Peter Grove, haughty to his fingertips as Pooh-Bah played this superior nobleman in fine style, sneering wonderfully well.   Jacob Elsey dovetailed perfectly as the other noble lord Pish-Tush, singing his tricky song with artistic relish and  melodious voice too.

 

In common with most of their canon, The Mikado, kicks into top gear with the arrival of the comic baritone, in this case Ko-Ko          .    Michael Ayres fully understood this rewarding character and sailed through his tricky patter song “As some day it may happen” (Little List).   I was a tad disappointed that the lyrics were not updated, at least in part, as Gilbert was the most topical of writers peppering his words with both ancient and modern gems.

The trio of schoolgirls, Yum-Yum, Pitti-Sing and Peep-Bo brought a delicious scoop of their naïve innocence and winsome charm.   Selena Hegarty, Gill Eve and Tessa Lawn respectively gave real depth to the characters.   I loved the deliberate over powdering of Yum-Yum’s face by Peep-Bo and the one-upmanship (or should that be one-upwomanship) between them in “Braid the Raven hair”.   There were numerous little individual gems in all these talented players throughout this production, which tickled even this old dyed in the wool Savoyard.

The attraction scene between Yum-Yum and Nanki-Poo was extremely well done with two Japanese looking chairs moved apart, enhancing this wonderful scene.    Two stage artists together and how it showed!

The dramatic entrance of Katisha, replete with menace  was a real highlight as was the all round performance Jill Derbie who played Katisha.   Mike, with his   wonderful specs, and Jill’s act two scenes were other highlights and the hapless Ko-Ko was bossed around the stage like a rag doll.   An honourable mention for Katisha’s headwear and make-up which greatly impressed.

There was some pleasant singing throughout and the all important chorus gave ample support to a mostly  very experienced set of principal players, all of whom did splendidly.   And none more so than The Mikado himself.   An imposing, impressive figure with white gloves, black leather headwear and a huge Japanese fan.   Andy Strivens, for it was he, rendered The Mikado’s famous song with aplomb and a most amusing personalised “laugh”. I appreciated the obvious  fear of hoi among the three  deceitful plotters  and   this   marvellous scene  did the company proud.

The show had pace, a welcome absence of prompts and it was abundantly clear that show director Jackie and her talented team had provided a success for the audience.

No show can go ahead without the unsung behind the scenes people who all play such essential roles.   Credit then to all the following:-

            SM Dee Bowdery and DSM Brian Legg

            Lighting – Tony and Dee Bowdery – with some well used hues

            Set build and painting – Tony and Dee and Phillip Vessey – a fine job

            Wardrobe – Jenny Hasted with Vera Downey – excellent mostly silver / blue costumes

All in all, and one hundred and thirty four years after it was first staged, it was heartening to see that The Mikado is still shining, in deepest Surrey, as brightly as ever!                      

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