The Mikado

This is arguably the most popular Operetta from Gilbert and Sullivan and as soon as the orchestra struck up the overture an appreciative hush fell on the theatre, to absorb the music and the atmosphere of the show. The curtains opened to reveal a fairly plain stage, with a series of rostra and signs, telling us we were in the factory of the Titipu Motor Company. The opening men’s chorus told us they were ‘engineers of Japan who build many a family car’, the words had been printed in the programme, which was helpful as the diction was not always clear and I did not hear all of them, which was a pity. The men were all in red ‘Company’ polo shirts and baseball caps or bandanas, with many of their movements being from martial arts. This established that the show was set in modern day and so we were ready for the girls in their fashionable dresses, until the appearance of Katisha in traditional Japanese costume, which gave a clue to the second act. After the interval the stage had been completely transformed and the set for the second act was given an appreciative round of applause as the curtains opened. It was reminiscent of a willow pattern plate with a cloth painted with willow trees, a bridge with an arch over it, and two of the rostra left on to give variations in height so simple, but so effective. The costumes for this act were in complete contrast to the first, everyone was in formal traditional Japanese dress, which was spectacular.

It was a pleasure to sit back and listen to this well-balanced orchestra playing the Overture, reminding us all of the lovely songs that were in store for us. Musical Director, David Manifold, was always in control of musicians and singers, with instruments never overpowering voices. The company was musically confident and mostly diction was good, although some of the chorus numbers could have been clearer. The movement and choreography were precise, suiting the characters and helping establish the freer, more modern feel of the first half and more formal second half.

In true G&S fashion there were many topical references and satirical comments about the government. ‘I’ve got a little list’ was very funny and well received by the audience. The whole company performed well together supporting each other throughout, from the ‘tea lady’ at the beginning to the rousing finale. Everyone appeared to understand their character and how they would react to each situation. There was good characterization among the principals with some strong performances. The ‘three little maids’ worked well together, as did Pish-Tush and Nanki-Poo. Pooh-Bah, Katisha and Ko-Ko gave particularly memorable performances; I loved Tit-willow.

Director Margaret Craven had had some lovely ideas with the mixture of modern and traditional. Ko-Ko whizzing across the stage on an electric bicycle before ‘behold the Lord High Executioner’ gave a strong hint as to the comedy to come. She created some lovely pictures, particularly in ‘The sun whose rays are all ablaze’. The delivery of lines was very natural, unlike many productions where the dialogue is somewhat stilted, and this gave a really ‘fresh’ feel to the production. This seemed to be a very happy production with everyone working together and enjoying themselves. You certainly wowed your audience judging by their response. Well done everyone and thank you for an excellent evening’s entertainment.

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