The Mikado

This ever popular G & S show had a simple set with a lovely backcloth by Stephanie Conway, which provided a good setting for a well costumed cast. Generally a traditional approach with a sprinkling of modern touches which I found most acceptable as did the rest of the audience.

Tom Beck made an imposing Poo-Bah, he has a fine voice and also the ability to bring out all the dry humour, and Nigel Kelly did a good job in the role of Pish-Tush. The trio of Titipu officials was completed by David Towers playing Ko-Ko, topical and local inclusions in Ko-Ko’s ‘Little List’ were most entertaining, he was in excellent form, all the official’s worked well together as a unit and extracted the maximum amount of humour.

Nick Birbeck as Nanki-Poo, the wandering minstrel was also in fine voice and I enjoyed his duet ‘Were you not to Ko-Ko plighted’ with Yum-Yum played by Emma Barker. This young lady did very well indeed and her singing of ‘The sun whose rays’ was really lovely. I thought that using a fan during this number would have enhanced the overall picture, Yum-Yum was strongly supported by Anna Graves as Pitti-Sing whose singing was excellent and Charlotte Pyne as Peep-Bo, all three girls sang well especially in ‘Three little maids’. I must say that the madrigal was superb, all the voices blended beautifully.

Katisha, she of the divine shoulder blade and other unspecified areas was played with the right measure of menace by Janet Thompson and her singing was great. The Mikado was in the safe hands of Graham Beevers, he was imposing without being overbearing and also his singing was very good.

There was some good choral work throughout from the gentlemen of Japan and the ladies of Titipu. On a minor note when wearing a kimono it is always left over right, there was a young lady whose kimono was dressed right over left. I also was a little disappointed with some of the lighting, as some of the cast with their white face make up looked a bit grey / greenish when not in the spot. I enjoyed the orchestra very much, it was so well balanced. This was a very enjoyable evening at Staveley. Thank you.

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