The Mikado

Tees Valley Gilbert and Sullivan society this year, celebrated its 50th anniversary year with a superb, innovative and up to date somewhat production of ‘The Mikado’ which is arguably Gilbert & Sullivan’s most popular operetta.

The audiences who were lucky enough to see this production which was Directed extremely well by Margaret Jones, will I’m sure agree with me, had a great night at the Theatre.

After an accomplished overture from a 13 strong live orchestra under the expert baton of Musical Director Stephen Sild, the excellent opening scene set the standard for the whole performance. The gentlemen’s chorus was very accomplished and sang with passion throughout as did the ladies chorus who clearly were enjoying themselves on stage. I particularly loved the idea of the snippets of modern life such as mobile phones and selfies!

All chorus singing and movement was precision, encompassing many imaginative and amusing touches.

The principals were all very well cast with Alistair Bolton who was hilarious as an energetic, bouncy and inventive Ko-Ko who along with the talented Adam Hegarty as the multi job titled Pooh-Bah and the accomplished David Cadman as Pish-Tush, brought to life a very funny trio who I have to liken to Compo, Cleggy and Foggy from ‘Last of the Summer Wine’. So funny! A true class act. They were joined by Anna-Maria Jackson as Pitti-Sing and Debbie Hodgson as Peep-Bo who had the audience laughing with their fun and frolics on stage.

Gillian Sild in excellent voice was a ferocious, imposing Katisha who eventually battered Ko-Ko into submission. Stacey Dobson was a delightful Yum-Yum and had a truly lovely voice. Andrew Cole as the delightfully innocent Nanki-Poo had a fine tenor voice, he portrayed the character with absolute perfection in my opinion and acted well along side Stacey.

Completing the principal cast was the societies chorus master, David Beall as of course, the Mikado. Always a pleasure to watch David perform and this portrayal was no different.

A beautifully simple set which was lit well along with costumes that suited the piece added to the spectacle of the show.

Well done to all involved and congratulations to the society on their 50 years of stage performances.

I look forward to your next endeavour.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.