The Mikado

Well done to Graham Weston, Artistic Director - some good touches - I thought that the alternative "little list" also the "fan" work during the production were excellent. Congratulations to Monica Eyley having taken over the baton at extremely short notice. I think I am correct in saying that she is not used to working with an orchestra. As last year it was a pleasure listening to the overture - .the audience not talking through it! The set, also the costumes and the 'bob' style black wigs were excellent.

Gwen Knight (Yum Yum), Jo Hutchesson (Pitti Sing) and Kathryn Parkin (Peep Bo) were a delightful trio and their portrayal of their "different" characters was excellent. Christine Stubbs interpretation of Katisha was great and her solo of "Alone and yet alive" was one of the best I have heard - and I have heard a few, both professional and amateur. Steve Andrews was a "loveable" Ko-Ko and gave an excellent rendition of "Tit-willow". Pete Geary (Nanki-Poo), Mike Spriggs (Pooh-Bah), Richard Bell (Pish-Tush), Alan Wade (The Mikado of Japan), Mark White (Go-To) sang and acted their parts with great characterisation and aplomb.  Their solos, duets, trios, quartets were a delight to listen to with exceptional diction. The ensemble singing where all the harmonies and words could be heard were excellent.  It was also great to only have "hung" and "floor" mics - singing and projection at its best.

Well done! Looking forward to "The Sorcerer" and "Trial by Jury" next year

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.