The Mikado

This was clearly a production made with care, commitment and a genuine love of live performance. From the audience response alone, it was obvious this society has built a strong community around its work, with family, friends and supporters fully invested in what was happening on stage. The atmosphere of support and celebration is always wonderful to witness in community theatre.
Under the direction of Peter Shellard, this was an enjoyable performance with clear leadership throughout. The story was handled well, and there was a good sense of commitment from the cast. With such a large company and a piece that relies heavily on ensemble work, there were moments where the stage occasionally felt a little overcrowded, and some of the visual storytelling was lost.

Moving forward, I would love to see even more use of movement during some of the larger musical numbers, allowing characters to feel even more connected to the action rather than occasionally falling into static lines. That said, the overall direction created a relaxed and enjoyable evening for the audience.
Musically, Anne Butterworth led the company well. The harmonies throughout the performance were lovely, and the cast clearly felt supported vocally. While some of the more modernised musical choices may not have always been to my personal taste,
the musical direction itself was handled with confidence and care.
A special mention must go to the live accompaniment from Anthony Hunt (Piano), Jane Meadon (Flute), Laura Clarke(Clarinet), Lawrence Shoebridge (Trumpet) and Elaine Marsden (Overture Piano). I always appreciate live music, and here it added warmth and charm to the production, helping support both the comedy and the lighter moments within the show.

Visually, the production team worked hard to create the world of the piece. Scenic Artists Marian Fuller and Peter Mansell created a setting that supported the performance well, while Lighting and Sound by John Butterworth helped maintain
the atmosphere throughout. Costumes by Catherine King and Breda Tinney, alongside Props and Make Up by Kath Storey, showed clear effort and creativity in bringing the characters to life.

As this was my first time experiencing 'The Mikado', I found it an interesting introduction to the piece, however, the joy of theatre remained paramount - every company brings its own interpretation, and it was clear that this cast committed fully to the world that was being created.
A standout performance of the evening for me was Adrian Davison as Pooh-Bah. Adrian brought confidence, charisma and a strong stage presence to every moment he was on stage. His vocal performance was strong, and his
comedic timing immediately put the audience at ease. You could feel the audience relax and lean in whenever Adrian entered, a well-rounded and enjoyable performance.

This was a production that highlighted the heart of community theatre - people coming together, sharing their love of performance, and entertaining an audience who clearly loved every minute.
 

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