Music: Arthur Sullivan

Lyrics: W S Gilbert

Director: John Savournin

Reviewer: Paul Thurtle

The Public Reviews Rating:

The Mikado was Gilbert & Sullivan’s ninth collaboration together and their tried, tested and very successful formula is evident in this comic opera set in the fictitious Japanese town of Titipu. It is easy to see why it is one of the most frequently performed G & S compositions as the clever lyrics, rich harmonies and funny (if silly) story makes for an enjoyable show.

Charles Court Opera’s production presented a version of the Mikado sung by an ensemble of nine singers and very cleverly and beautifully presented it was! The intimate venue of the King’s Head Theatre means the audience is treated to a close up and impressively natural performance. John Savournin both directs and plays Pooh-Bah. His beautiful voice and cut glass diction made his character rather loveable and charming (though perhaps not quite what G & S had in mind!). Ko-Ko was played by Philip Lee, who along with the rest of the cast gave a magnificent performance, and I must make mention of his wonderful dance of victory at the end of ‘Here’s a how-de-do’. His timing is superb and the scenes between Ko-Ko and Katisha were both comic and moving at the same time.

One of the many highlights for me included ‘Three little maids from school are we’ with the sweet voices of Catrine Kirkman (Yum Yum), Caroline Kennedy (Peep-Bo) and Nichola Jolley (Pitti-Sing). I could not help feeling that these ladies really did bubble with girlish glee! Also the madrigal ‘Brightly dawns our wedding day’ was magical. Kevin Kyle played a very gentle and sweetly sung Nanki-Poo: his red trombone fitted in well with the costumes and set design and the title role of the Mikado is played most appropriately by the masterful and imposing Simon Masterton-Smith. I really enjoyed the funny and moving performance of Susan Moore as Katisha (‘I’m his daughter-in-law elect!’). Ian Beadle as Pish-Tush provided beautiful harmonies as well as comic expressions that completed the line up of a first rate cast.

The musical direction was by David Eaton, who together with James Young provided the excellent four handed piano accompaniment. Gregor Donnelly’s minimalist design is very effective: the large blocks (and their movement) are integrated into the story in a very clever way. The lighting by Nic Holdridge worked well and suited the small space. I really enjoyed this production of the Mikado and I look forward to both visiting the King’s Head Theatre again and to see another Charles Court Opera production.

Runs until Sunday 4th March (8 performances)

Tags: Arthur Sullivan, Caroline Kennedy, Catrine Kirkman, Charles Court Opera, David Eaton, Eaton-Young Piano Duo, Gregor Donnelly, Ian Beadle, Islington, James Young, John Savournin, Kevin Kyle, Kings Head Theatre, Nic Holdridge, Nichola Jolley, Philip Lee, Simon Masterton-Smith, Susan Moore, The Mikado, W.S. Gilbert