The Mikado

Gilbert and Sullivan’s operettas have been a staple of the theatre repertoire both amateur and professional for a good many years. Sadly the younger generation do not seem to be persuaded to take part. If they did they would find out why G&S has endured for so long. 

Director Lyn Bullen and Musical Director Lucas Elkin brought the Mikado to life entertaining the first night audience with the many clever and amusing words of Gilbert and the appealing music of Sullivan.  Top marks to whoever wrote Ko-Ko’s “Little List” and the Japanese cars infiltrating Mi-ya Sa-ma lyrics.

This Company’s staging of G&S is always excellent.  Costumes and wigs were beautiful and the Act One scenery was breathtaking, but I was rather fazed by the set for Act Two. This was a night-time scene which was about ninety percent black with only the costumes to add colour. Lighting was good, although I think Act Two might have been more of a challenge to the lighting team than Act One. The Orchestra was excellent and never once overpowered the singers.  Maybe some strategically placed microphones would have helped when an artiste wasn’t facing forward.

Sadly, owing to cast illness on the morning of the opening performance Stephen Lawrence could not appear as Nanki-Poo and Mike Hammond undertook the role with little more than 4 hours notice.  To be honest if we hadn’t been told we would not have known he was a stand-in. With his fine tenor voice and nice stage presence he slotted in almost seamlessly. I was informed Hammond had performed the role about three years ago so his muscle memory must be phenomenal to be able to pick it up again at such short notice.  As his love Yum-Yum, one of the three sisters, Anna Murgatroyd was excellent, her singing of The Sun Whose Rays Are All Ablaze was impressive. John Yates (Pish-Tush) was good, with a fine voice both in solos and harmony. William Hale (Pooh-Bah) with a splendid range of expressions and great timing gave a superb interpretation of the character.  Sally Goldsmith’s singing and acting as Pitti-Sing was first rate.  Jeremy Lander (Ko-Ko) brought out all the humour and character of the role, his rendering of the ballad Tit Willow was great. Victoria Olphin (Peep-Bo) the third of Ko-Ko’s wards was charming fitting in well with her sisters.  David Gower showed his mastery and experience as the Mikado. Caille Peri (Katisha) was first-class as the old battle-axe and was amusing proving that there is more to her than her lovely voice. 

A mellifluous Chorus of Ladies and a strong Chorus of Gentlemen were a pleasure to watch. There were clear harmonies from both choruses and some impressive fan work from the Chorus of Gentlemen.  Musical Director Lucas Elkins’ conducting of the accomplished orchestra was excellent, enhancing the performance in a very professional way.  

This was an extremely enjoyable production.  It sounded good, it looked good and it was at times laugh-out-loud funny.  

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