The Mikado

The ‘Savoy operas’ of W.S. Gilbert and A.S. Sullivan - particularly The Mikado - have endured down the generations as bright, witty, colourful entertainments, and will probably continue to do so as long as they are subject to quality productions that preserve the ageless aspects of the text while being prepared to modernise when necessary. This one should fit the bill for fans, being extremely well-sung, skilfully designed, and impressively costumed, with musicians (under MD Brian Chatterton, OAM) as accomplished as they are supportive.

The libretto is updated here when deemed necessary, but the clever modernity doesn’t always fit well with the generally traditional delivery. Despite this, the ensemble of performers work very well together while retaining their individual personalities. As played by the inexhaustible Rod Schultz, the Lord High Executioner Ko-Ko is given plenty of room to run at high comic speed, to mostly successful results, but also to the point that he began to wear out his welcome with this reviewer toward the end.

The Three Little Maids are all portrayed by talented and engaging performers (Sarah Jane Pattichis, Bethany Hill, Monique Watson), but these traditional characterisations, and especially their introductory movement routines, don’t play particularly well today. Happily, by act two, the characters feel far more free and relaxed, which helps the laughs to flow. Sidonie Henbest does a quite marvellous job with the somewhat problematic character of ‘cougar’ Katisha, who is rather cruelly treated by the authors; fortunately, Henbest strongly conveys the dignity that she deserves.

Eddie Muliau’s Pooh-Bah is a richly satisfying portrayal with a vocal quality right up there with the legendary Paul Robeson. Zachary McCulloch is a pleasant protagonist in the role of Nanki-Poo, with Macintyre Howie Reeves’ Pish-Tush and Daniel Smerdon’s title role rounding out a solidly strong central cast (the performance reviewed featured James Nicholson, James Moffatt, Grace Bawden, Karina Jay, and Jodie O’Regan making up the chorus).

The production design of David Lampard is superbly engineered to be simple-yet-effective. Given the relatively limited performance space available, it’s a small wonder. Those responsible for costumes - Matilda Bawden, Margaret Cannon, Bronwen Major, Helen Snoswell - all deserve the highest commendation for their colourful contribution.

Though Richard Trevaskis’ direction has allowed some sluggishness to seep in during the second act, it is not enough to dull the essential charm of this production. It is enough to make one await future collaborations between the G&S Society of SA and Co-Opera with keen interest.

Anthony Vawser

Image: Taking the sea air on the historic ketch Falie at Port Adelaide are two Yum Yums from the Mikado - Sarah Jane Pattichis and Grace Bawden both play Yum Yum on alternate nights.(Photograph: Lester Wong)