The Mikado

This is a charming, very traditional version of this well loved classic directed by Elizabeth Lowrencev. It is set in the fictional Japanese town of Titipu and concerns young lovers, disguise, faked death and arranged marriages - but all ends happily with general rejoicing. To the snap of fans, moral issues are discussed and both Koko's 'I've got a little list' and the Mikado's 'A more humane Mikado' are opportunity for lots of current biting witty social and political comment.

The designs are imaginary nineteenth century Japanese, with some spectacular kimonos and Kabuki like makeup for Katisha and the Mikado especially. The simple set, squashed onto the tiny Zenith stage, included Japanese screens and calligraphy and indigo dyed cloth for example.

Samantha Maddison as Yum Yum was exquisitely sweet and enchanting and sang delightfully. As our middle aged hero Nanki Poo, Brendan Iddles looked as if he had stepped out of a poster for an early production of the show. He was in fine voice and performed excellently.

Dean Sinclair as Koko was magnificent, continuing the long line of legendary performers such as the original creator George Grossmith, Australia's Dennis Olsen etc. He wears a straight, black bobbed wig and glasses and looks like a Japanese doll. He has perfect comic timing. His costumes are glorious and in his full regalia as Lord High Executioner (complete with official sword carrier ) he is extremely imposing. His 'willow, tit willow' would melt almost any heart, let alone Katisha's.

Carl Olsen's Pooh Bah was fabulous, with a fine voice. I was most impressed by his extremely posh bronze/dark gold kimono for Act1. One can indeed imagine that he was 'born sneering'. Pooh Bah is played as a supercilious, pompous, corrupt Sir Humphrey Appleby figure.

Katisha was played with great relish by Belinda Delaney. What a dramatic entrance in Act 1 in a startling red and black kimono, full Kabuki makeup and dangerous long red fingernails. Imperious ('bow, bow to his daughter in law elect '), she is portrayed sort of like a 'wicked queen' in a pantomime, and is overtly bloodthirsty in revenge for Nanki Poo's alleged 'death', but she does have a softer side as she mourns Nanki Poo and succumbs to Koko's wooing.

As for His Majesty the Mikado - Graham Tier is excellent. He has a most spectacular entrance and a great rumbling voice with an evil laugh.

Pish Tush was impressively sung and played by David Visentin and he looked terrific in his turquoise/green outfit for Act1. But I have a feeling his black costume for Act 2 was more Chinese than Japanese?

It was interesting to see black kimonos for 'Comes a train of little ladies', rather than white or other colours. I would also like to add however that the men's hairpieces in act 2 for the chorus in the final section were extremely and obviously, fake.

Musically there is some magnificent singing. Sullivan's lyrical score was taken at a leisurely pace and handled beautifully by Stephen Malloch, musical director and conductor, in a black kimono.
Diction for a Gilbertian opera is very important and in this version was crystal clear.

It is the Savoy Arts 25th jubilee year and 125 years since the first performances of Gilbert and Sullivan's operetta in London. Long may it continue to be much enjoyed. A most pleasant evening.

The Mikado

Tickets available online or by phone at 02 9777 7547