The Mikado

Since its early days, Grantham Operatic Society has concentrated mainly on the works of Gilbert & Sullivan and in the process has acquired a considerable amount of knowledge and experience of these works. Product or brand loyalty can be most useful in marketing terms although minor changes are often required to be made to the ‘original’ from time-to-time to help ensure popularity is retained. This production placed the show in a modern visually non-traditional setting while ‘remaining true to Gilbert and very faithful to Sullivan’. There were a couple of minor updates to the dialogue and some post-Gilbert cuts were restored; Gilbert was very keen on works being up-to-date. The costume order was smart present-day dress.  The cast comprised of strong principals who were ably supported by a very competent chorus that included a number of young people. Exemplary performances in characterisation and vocal work were delivered by Tony Smith (as Pooh-Bah), Carlyon Viles (as Ko-Ko) and Helen Gray (as Katisha). Robin Myers (as Nanki-Poo) and Billy Bamberger (as Pish-Tush) performed their roles with energy and enthusiasm. Melissa McNaught (as Yum-Yum), Marie Hibbert (as Pitti-Sing) and Heather Walker (as Peep-Bo) were the delightfully skittish ‘three little maids’. The rich voice of Doug Coleman brought gravitas to the role of the Mikado. Jenny Walker skilfully directed the wonderful accompanying music for this popular show. The result of this team effort was a scintillating performance which received well-earned applause from an appreciative audience.  

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