The Mikado — NODA Review

Gilbert and Sullivan operettas continue to appeal to an audience who appreciate the skilfully written musical score and libretto, but what a pity that there weren't more young people present. They are perhaps less familiar with G&S and would have loved this interpretation, which at times was almost like a pantomime.

The slightly shortened overture was expertly played by the orchestra which, under the experienced baton of Howard Chapman, was supportive, never overpowering and well balanced.

The opening men's chorus was very good, and the choreography was excellent. Annelly James had put in a great deal of work which added visually to the production, but unfortunately the men were not in unison with their moves as there was just a bit too much for them to cope with.

Pat Martin's strong direction ensured that the company numbers were attractively set and the stage was used to optimum effect, and the production was enhanced by the super set, which I see was made by members of the company. The large pots were impressive and the setting of 'Braid the Raven Hair' using one as a bath was delightful.

In the role of Nanki-Poo, Tony Douch acted well and his singing was good. He made a likeable, attractive wandering minstrel (loved the bike!)

Clive Walker was amusing as Pooh-Bah, treating us to a good selection of different voices for his many roles/hats, and the dancers placing them on his head was another nice touch. He was wearing a woman's wig, and in the cupboard a boa, but it wasn't quite clear whether that was to signify he was unsure of his sexuality (I'm trying to put this tactfully). If so that impression waned somewhat throughout the performance, and if not, why was he wearing a woman's wig?

Mike Davenport gave a good performance as Pish-Tush and surprised me with his solo singing voice, which I'd never heard before.

I was most impressed with Aileen Smith's voice, which has improved greatly in the past year, and although the very top notes were not quite secure, her singing was first rate. She is a talented actress too and brought spirit and fun to the role of Yum-Yum.

Peter Calver seemed in his element as a zany Ko-Ko and played it well, if a little too much in pantomime mode from time to time. His singing was confident.

The two other girls of the three little maids trio, Pitti-Sing and Peep-Bo, were securely acted by Amanda Lapping and Adele Jones respectively, and Amanda was particularly enjoyable to watch, constantly in character and with wonderful facial expressions.

Representing the Mikado and Katisha, John Connor was suitably regal, and Connie Law quite terrifying.  Hers was another characterisation that would have been very much at home in the genre of pantomime and she put it over with enthusiasm. Although not a true contralto her lower register was assured and mellow.

The chorus singing was of good quality and volume and they were involved in the action, and the dancers too played their parts well. The madrigal was beautifully sung, using the versatile pots again, and I particularly enjoyed the way 'On a tree by a river' was plotted and the reactions of Katisha to Ko-Ko's sad story, which he sang well.

Costumes were colourful and attractive but many of the kimonos had been taken up and it showed. Ko-Ko's costume was rather strange and I'm not sure what he was supposed to have on his head. The Mikado's wig did not look very good and young James needed something for his head which would have been in keeping with the operetta.

There is no mention in the programme of makeup and the men's makeup was excellent; I didn't recognise some of the cast, but the ladies makeup was a little mixed.

The sound and lighting departments worked well and added to the overall success of this very funny, well-sung, and splendidly directed production.

Thank you for inviting me to see the production and for your hospitality on the evening. I would have enjoyed meeting one or other of the directors in the interval; perhaps next time it will be possible.

Happy Christmas and New Year to everyone at Hatton Operatic Society

E. Gloria Smith, NODA Area 12 Representative