The Mikado

It’s fair to say that, over the years, I have not seen that many G&S productions and my visits to Hull Savoyards are therefore very welcome as they provide an insight to how things may have been theatrically when the shows were first compiled.

I really enjoyed this traditional production and was happy to hear again the glorious music that the show contains.  It was started delightfully by the long-ish overture beautifully played by The Kingston Savoy Orchestra, more than twenty in number, under the direction of Stan Kell.  That the entire cast perform without amplification is to their great credit and it was possible to hear pretty much everything thoughout the performance. 

Everyone in the cast seemed entirely at ease with this type of show and the lead performers were well supported by some super singing from the chorus.  Nanki-Poo, the wandering minstrel, was well portrayed by Andy Collinson, the first time I have seen him perform in G&S, and his pursuit of Yum-Yum, played by Caroline King, was very entertaining.  Caroline’s voice also blended well with those of Roselyn Shallcross (Pitti-Sing) and Alice Giblin as Peep-Bo who also played their characters nicely, Alice in particular showing some lovely comic timing.

I thought that experienced Steve Aylmer gave an excellent performance as Ko-Ko, the Lord High Executioner, although he did seem to warm up after his “And Some Day It May Happen” (“I’ve Got A Little List”) and Philip King was again commanding as Pooh-Bah, the Lord High Everything Else, bringing out some good comedy.  Supporting roles played by Joseph Marshall (The Mikado), Mike Gough (Pish-Tush) and Katisha (Val Marshall) helped to balance everything.  However, I did get the feeling in some parts that a bit of comedy was missing from the production as a whole.

A simple set was used throughout which was totally acceptable and the costumes were superb – the Wardrobe Mistress, Irene Lamb, should be very proud.

The society must be praised for the fact that the show was presented in five venues in the area over a two week period and I am sure that all audiences enjoyed their evenings as much as this one did.

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