The Mikado

Review

I have always admired Sullivan's music for its robust inventiveness and in 'The Mikado', Gilbert's sometimes cumbersome wit is at its most sparkling. In James George's enjoyable production, these qualities are exploited to the full.

The staging and costuming are simple, with no cod Japanesery getting in the way of the fun. Above all, it is very well sung. These are musical theatre rather than operatic voices but the songs are delivered with clarity and confidence. You can hear every word of the fast patter songs - especially gratifying in the comic re-writes of Ko-Ko's 'little list' and the Mikado's punishments to 'fit the crime'. The male ensemble is particularly strong and, from everyone, the big set pieces crack along with a light touch and a tremendous pace.

There are some excellent performances.

Matthew Cooper and Lara Hardwick invest Nanki-Poo and Yum-Yum with winning charm. Darren Gilmore is a wonderfully louche Ko-Ko. Gemma Valler is a withering Peep-Bo and James George revels in Pooh-Bah's absurd self-importance.

In the audience there were clearly people who had never seen a Gilbert & Sullivan before. If you are among them, or already a fan, you will find this show a treat.

David Penrose - The News

GRACIOUS! I've never quite seen a Mikado like this before.

I'm sure if I had then G&S would have a much wider following.

The cast were ebullient from the off, treating the audience to some superbly crafted comedy that brought the script to life.

It was pacy and fun, with the best "list" I have ever heard, literally (in-joke).

While the director, James George, claims it is a "reasonably traditional" Mikado, he has ingeniously shown the other side of some key characters, with a sensitively portrayed Katisha (Janet Hillman), a Mr Magoo-esk Mikado (Paul Comparini) and a bitchy Peep-Bo (Gemma Valler).

The men were luminaries and the combination of a camp Pooh-Bah (James George), supercilious Ko-Ko (Darren Gilmore) and traditional Nanki-Poo (Matthew Cooper) was an undiluted recipe for laughter. Not forgetting the conceited Yum-Yum (Lara Hardwick) and hapless Petti-Sing (Karen Fisher).

The black box set, single keyboard and atmospheric lighting left nothing to hide behind, but hey, if you've got it, flaunt it.

Rebecca Case - Southern Daily Echo