The Mikado

The Mikado is perhaps one of the most popular of all the Gilbert and Sullivan opera’s. It was written around the time that the two gentlemen threatened to end their collaboration and it also coincided with the great Japan Exhibition in London 1885.

The evening got off to a good start with the orchestra playing the National Anthem and the audience singing patriotically, including myself. The opening number ‘Gentlemen of Japan’ was very well executed by a strong men’s chorus and how well they used their fans! We also had vocally strong principles. George Jones as Pish-Tush gave a good solid performance, Tom Beck gave an animated and amusing portrayal of Ko-Ko as he whizzed down the centre isle on his scooter, he brought out all the humour and character to the role and I did enjoy Tit-Willow. What a superb Pooh-Bah played by Graham Beevers, he schemed his way through the Mikado with good humour and what a fantastic singing voice. Sue Richardson was well cast as Yum-Yum, she sang with clarity, and I thought ‘The Sun Who’s Ray’s’ was delightfully sung, she was well supported by Rachel Mercer and Annie Burd as Pitti-Sing and Peep-Bo, I have to say that Rachel has the most lovely facial expressions, she just lit up the stage. ‘Three Little Maids’ sung by the trio was very good. Yum-Yum was strongly supported throughout the show by Nanki-Poo (Peter Thompson) whose singing was a joy to listen to. He gave a lovely rendition of ‘A Wandering Minstrel’, he has good stage presence and he and Yum-Yum performed well together. What can I say about Lorna Sherrin as the fearsome Katisha except brilliant, her entrance was very dramatic with evil facial expressions, she certainly was well worth waiting for and her singing of ‘The Hour of Gladness’ and ‘Alone and Yet Alive’ brought well earned applause from an appreciative audience. Simon Yaxley was a most impressive Mikado, he looked fantastic and he always knows how to deliver and as the Mikado himself declares ‘Nothing could possibly be more satisfactory’.

 All the ladies and gentlemen of the chorus made their mark with some good chorus singing. The costumes were excellent, Katisha  and Mikado were especially stunning. The well lit sets were good, and the musical accompaniment was spot on. A super evening’s entertainment, also well done to back stage and front of house. Thank you.

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