The Mikado

Your President commented in the programme that ‘The Mikado’ is probably Gilbert and Sullivan’s most popular comic operetta, judging by the large audience and their appreciation of the performance I think he is probably right.

Sitting in the raised section of the Prices Hall, I had a perfect view of the stage and the performances (thank you for such good seats) We arrived early so were treated to a view of the preset stage which was well lit and looked most attractive a Japanese setting of red roofed buildings a lovely pagoda type structure which was illuminated with glowing pink light and an attractive back drop of a snow topped Mount Fuji. The curtains closed on the preset before the well known overture to The Mikado was performed by the excellent sounding orchestra.

Act 1 commenced with the singing of ‘If You Want To Know Who We Are’ by the attractively dressed gentlemen of the company.

This was a single set production, and as already mentioned was most attractive to view. The designer had incorporated plenty of entrances and exits and the central entrance under the pagoda offered choice and interest for staging and group setting. The painting was good and the set looked new and fresh. Lovely urns and an attractive tree adorned the stage and appropriate fresh looking garden furniture completed the scene. Appropriate grander chairs were brought on for the Mikado and Katisha to sit upon. An attractive banner was carried for the entrance of the Mikado. Attractive fans and scrolls were well used by all members of the cast and all other props were appropriate.

Lighting was fairly basic, either bright or dimmed. I can only imagine that the dimmed lighting at the end of certain sequences was to give dramatic effect, but it didn’t really work (it just made me wonder why the lighting had dimmed). But in these days of ‘dramatically’ under lit stages I was pleased that I could see everyone clearly. Last year I commented that I could hear every word even when I couldn’t understand much of what was being said...  this year... again I could hear but couldn’t discern quite a lot of the clever words (so necessary when the music enhances and progresses the story). Positioning of microphones is critical, sometimes I could hear Ko-Ko’s words, and sometimes not... the sound appeared to be directional. With operetta it is essential we hear the words sung by soloists and company, diction, enunciation and sound reinforcement do need looking at. Even with microphones performers need to project their voices.

Costumes were excellent. Beautiful ladies in turquoise cream and pink kimonos with red for the trio worked so well. Yum-Yum looked outstanding in her wedding outfit together with Nanki-Poo in attractive cream. The men looked equally good in their kimonos and black trousers. Koko was well dressed to appear more casually comical. The Mikado’s grand costume was a delight as were the costumes for Katisha. Well done to all of you home grown wardrobe makers. The wigs of the ladies and the hairstyles of the men added authenticity to the nationality of the performers. The makeup was very good, never overstated and enhanced all characters.

The excellent orchestra once again was skilfully managed by experienced MD Carol Kenway. She had worked hard with the cast and all harmonies were apparent and the company singing was very good. There was excellent singing from the ‘quartet’ in ‘Madrigal Brightly dawns our wedding day’, it was very melodious. It was evident that the whole company had put in an enormous amount of rehearsal to produce quality singing.

As the two directors, Rowena Ayres and Mark Beardmore both had leading roles, I am sure there were times when it was difficult for both them and the company to bring the whole show together.  But apart from some fairly static groupings... semi circles on the stage for large amounts of time during Act 1, the direction was sound and in Act 2 very good attempts were made to add movement and interest to both company and principal movement. The pace was good and obvious effort had been made towards characterisation for the principals which was very clear. The humour of the operetta came over well despite lack of clarity in some of the singing; the dialogue was strong and delivered with good attack. Direction was overall very good and I congratulate you both on the end result, an entertaining, very good piece of theatre.

Mark Beardmore is a talented tenor and from the opening bars of ‘A Wandering Minstrel’ I knew we were in for a treat. With good timing he assured us of his complicated predicament being a thwarted lover, son of the Mikado (heir to the throne) and 2nd trombone player in the town band!   He looked good, he sang and acted well and I enjoyed his performance.

Glynis Barcham really understood the understated humour in her role as Yum-Yum and relished every moment. This role suited her light soprano voice very well and she looked delectable in Act 2 in her wedding Kimono. I really enjoyed ‘The Sun Who’s Rays Are All Ablaze’ Well done.

Dave Kelly as Poo-Bahto extracted every element of comedy from the part and was indeed the man of a hundred occupations!

David Nicklen as Ko-Ko showed insight into the interpretation of this role. He was in turn comic, theatrical, gauche and weak and as the ‘cheap tailor’ he was the most unlikely candidate for his post of Lord High Executioner. ‘Tit Willow’ was very enjoyable.

Christine Richards as Pitti-Sing performed with her usual skill and talent. As secondary to Yum-Yum, she endowed the role with her personality and it was fun.

Dave Richardson as The Mikado had taken on the role of the Mikado with just 4 weeks’ notice. Having never performed this role before, he is to be congratulated. In his excellent robes he looked magnificent and the role gave him the opportunity to further extend his G&S repertoire.

Rowena Ayres as Katisha made the most of every opportunity and ‘There is Beauty in the Bellow of the Blast’ was pure theatre.

Melanie Henchy-McCarthy as Peep-Bo the third 'Little Maid From School’, was an accomplished member of the trio.

Martin White as Pish-Tush acquitted himself with style. Confidence in performance comes ‘with performing’ and as you demonstrated talent I hope you will be ‘hooked’ by this new experience.

We had a really enjoyable evening, the music was great, the performances very good, well done Clevedon G and S Society... you certainly cracked ‘The Mikado’.

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