The Mikado

Synopsis

A comic operetta with a Japanese theme. Songs such as 'Three Little Maids from School', 'A Wandering Minstrel', 'A Most Humane Mikado' etc. One of Gilbert and Sullivan's most popular works. In the town of Titipu, local government has fallen into the hands of two dubious characters: Ko-Ko, in charge of public executions; and Pooh-Bah, who has a finger in every pie. A young man arrives who, unknown to most, is Nanki-Poo, son of the Mikado. Fleeing an arranged marriage to the elderly Katisha, he falls for the beautiful Yum-Yum, Ko-Ko's fiancée. When the Mikado arrives, thirsty for executions, Ko-Ko thinks he has the perfect plan...until Katisha turns up, bent on revenge.

Our Review:

5 July 2002

We've become accustomed to the sight of Japanese English supporters after the Beatles-like reception our boys received during the 2002 World Cup. As a return gesture, D'Oyly Carte brings us a set of very English Japanese folk in Gilbert and Sullivan's classic musical comedy The Mikado, which is laced with some topically irresistible football references. (Members of the company are red-carded for misbehaviour and Ko-Ko's famous "They'll None of Them Be Missed" solo lists David Seaman amongst his inventory of sorry fellows to be executed.)

In true G&S fashion, this D'Oyly Carte offering is a high laughs, tongue-in-cheek, panto-style production. Adding to the slapstick is comedian Jasper Carrott, flexing his operatic muscles as Ko-Ko the executioner. Though his vocal skills lack the proficiency or oomph displayed by the rest of the company, Carrott adds some much needed character to what feels like a slightly less than enthusiastic revival of G&S's most famous piece...

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Latest User Review

USER: Whatsonstage.com - 16 July 2002:

Excellent. Good cast with, wonderful voices. Modern production. Jasper is very good in the role, and so are all of the others. Throughly enjoyable performance....

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