The MIkado

One hundred years of entertaining the public is a marvellous achievement and you certainly pulled out all the stops in this first-class production of ‘The Mikado’. The atmosphere marking this special occasion started at the doors of The Cecil Hepworth Playhouse where I was greeted by the FOH who were wearing half kimonos in a striking blue, silky oriental fabric and black trousers..

We settled into our seats and were then treated to a beautifully played overture by the ‘Titipu Town Band’, and Nanki Poo got a mention too! Dick was completely at ease leading the band in this well-loved and popular Gilbert and Sullivan and the balance and volume were perfect throughout – such a rare and much appreciated treat.

A raised ornamental, red dais stage right and a most realistic Cherry Blossom tree centre left created all that was needed to convey a Japanese garden.

The principal line up was impressive and the chorus supported them strongly. Diction was excellent in both dialogue and musical numbers – of which there are many!

The opening was traditionally set with the male chorus on stage - not seen quite so much these days because of a lack of men in amateur societies – and their costumes were nicely colour co-ordinated. The men were confident in actions as well as vocally.

Tim Dutton acted and sang well as Nanki-Poo the wandering minstrel and son of The Mikado. As Yum-Yum the girl he had fallen in love with, Rebecca Lucas-Coxon was first rate. Her singing was effortless and she made a delightfully naïve Yum-Yum. Her two sisters Pitti-Sing and Peep-Bo were played by Ellie Parsons and Amber Hayes respectively and they gave joyful, confident performances making a delectable trio of maids.

In the role of the entitled Pooh-Bah, who was ambitious and pompous, Matthew Lawson was sound, and as Pish-Tush Steve Dorsett portrayed the wise, dignified rule-follower strongly. Both men had powerful stage presence and voices to match and they brought out the comedy in their characters.

Michael Crow was a dignified Mikado, not as threatening as some interpretations I’ve seen but never-the-less imposing and his ‘A more humane Mikado’ was very good.

Sue was superb as Katisha - magnificent in her red Japanese costume, passionate and very scary - a most dramatic performance.

In the role of Ko-Ko, the Lord High Executioner - who wasn’t brave enough to execute even a mouse - Lee was exceptional. He was magnetic on stage – his facial expressions, actions and character portrayal entertained the audience non-stop.

The chorus singing was strong and their fan choreography brilliantly executed by both men and women. Choreography was good.

Costumes were classic and in lovely colours – the ladies in their second act ones looked stunning. ‘Braid The Raven Hair’ was an especially attractive scene.

Wigs were fine but Nanki Poo’s pony tail needed a ribbon at the end to hold it neatly.

Sound was very good and the lighting plot was masterly. Each scene had lighting that reflected the mood perfectly and really added to the presentation of the production.

It would be difficult to pick out the most memorable musical numbers as there were so many. ‘Behold The Lord High Executioner’, ‘Three Little Maids’ in which the harmonies of the three girls’ voices really shone, ‘I Am So Proud’, The Madrigal (of course) and ‘The Criminal Cried’. Then in the splendid scene between Katisha and Ko-Ko we heard the melancholy ‘Alone And Yet Alive’ followed by ‘Tit Willow’ filled with pathos,’ prior to the rousing finale ‘For he’s Gone And Married Yum-Yum’.

Properties were good and the stage crew worked quickly and quietly.

Under James’ commendable direction the cast worked as one to provide a Centenary Production of which to be proud. It was a most entertaining evening and I shall remember it with great pleasure for some time to come.

Your luxury programme is beautifully presented; the front cover is attractive and the inside pages contain many interesting articles.

Thank you for inviting me to see this very special production and for your hospitality on the evening. I couldn’t possibly have left without visiting the dressing rooms to congratulate the cast – I hope the rest of the run went just as well.

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