The Mikado

One of the joys of Gilbert and Sullivan is that the operettas lend themselves to endless re-invention, and this production follows that path in turning the Kingdom of Titipu into the Hotel Titipu, with the Mikado recast as a CEO; and Ko-Ko the Lord High Executioner becoming – what else? – the head of Human Resources. 

Director and set designer Tamblyn Smith has created a crisp white set; while the entire back of the stage is dominated by huge free-standing letters spelling out “The Mikado” in a 1920s font.  It’s simple, elegant and endlessly versatile, transforming in mood and character simply with lighting, and giving the cast room to romp around.  The costumes were kept era-appropriate in black, white and blue, with beautiful attention to detail.

Gilbert & Sullivan needs to be taken seriously to succeed as a light comedy, and the cast pour endless energy into their characters to make this happen.  Nanki-Poo (Asher Griffith-Jones) comes barreling on stage to start the show, and Griffith-Jones brings a deft touch to Nanki-Poo, playing him with overtones of the spoiled princeling he really is, using his nimbleness and expressive face and distinctive tenor voice to great effect.  His rendition of “A wand’ring minstrel” was a joy to hear, as were his scenes with Yum-Yum.

Mark Clark, as Pish-Tush was a solid vocal and physical presence as an unamused Concierge, and he enjoyed some fine moments in the ensembles.  Pooh-Bah, the Lord High Everything Else, was an accomplished Malcolm Wilton, who veered between supercilious, obsequious and the plaything of the three little maids with great aplomb.  His voice grounded the ensembles.

The Three Little Maids were a delight, as was their opening number “Three Little Maids from School are we”, with impeccable harmonies and footwork.  Sarah Carpenter as Pitti-Sing showed a fine soprano voice and was a standout in the madrigal “Brightly dawns our wedding day”.  Stephanie Morgan added an assured comedic element as Peep-Bo, as well as solid ensemble work, particularly in act 2.

Kristen Ryan hit all of the G&S Soprano high points as Yum-Yum, with a clear, sweet soprano voice (her simple but elegant performance of “The Sun Whose Rays” was a highlight), a great sense of comic timing, a touch of the self-involved princess, and genuine chemistry with her Nanki-Poo in their scenes together.  

Nicholas Durbridge’s Mr Mikado was every showman CEO, complete with finger-guns, a silver lamé waistcoat, subtle hero poses, and an overwhelming ego to match.  His rendition of “A more humane Mikado” was solid and powerful, and made his unruffled composure as he cheerfully discussed executions after luncheon more than a little unsettling.

But the standouts of the production were Jenny Wakefield as a predatory, glamourous and dark Katisha, and Steven Edwards as her hapless Ko-Ko.  

Wakefeld literally stopped the show in the Act 1 finale, and her rich mezzo voice was more than equal to the demands of the role.  Her anguished performance of “Alone and yet alive” was a musical highlight, and the chemistry between Wakefield and Edwards crackled with energy.

Steven Edwards’ Ko-Ko arrived on stage resplendent in a satin jacket and bow-tie, wielding a clipboard like a weapon, and launched into “I’ve Got a Little List” with great verve (complete with some fun modern verses).   As the self-serving Lord High Human Resources Manager, Edwards struck poses, danced around the stage and through every song, particularly the ensemble numbers, performed the famous “Tit Willow” song beautifully, and tied a bow around the show with his wonderful performance.

The chorus, as hotel staff or guests gave good vocal support to the principal players; and clearly enjoyed entering into the fun with the interesting and innovative staging given to them by Director Tam Smith.  

Under the baton of Marie-Louise Wright, the Eltham Orchestras players took time to settle into the piece, with some odd moments in the strings, but also provided a solid platform for the singers, with the percussion particularly strong.

Alex Armstrong