What the Papers Said...

Review - The Mikado (from Hampshire Chronicle, 07/05/09)

Performance: Wednesday 29 April 2009

“The Mikado”, one of Gilbert and Sullivan’s most popular operettas, was given a totally new look by Ian Crowe, the director of this superb production and it was performed with great wit and style by Winchester Operatic Society.
The action was transferred to the Winchester 2009 World Trade Fair and the main characters were all employees of The International Trade and Industry Promotion Unit (TITIPU). The complicated plot revolved around Ko-Ko, the new Head of Human Resources, who needed to sack someone for sexual harassment before the arrival of company president, Michio Kato – otherwise known as The Mikado.
Dan Hickson and Sophie Pentecost were charming as the young lovers, Nanki-Poo and Yum-Yum. Adrian Hickford was excellent as Ko-Ko, bringing out all the humour of the part, and Tony Blackshaw was a delightfully pompous Pooh-Bah. Clive Hilton was an imposing Mikado and Penny Bullough was suitably evil as the wicked Katisha. Katie Hickson, Helen O’Sullivan and Rick Bremner provided support as respectively Pitti-Sing, Peep-Bo and Pish-Tush.
Some of Gilbert’s original dialogue and lyrics were very cleverly adapted to reflect some of the more ridiculous practices in the modern work place and these references were very much appreciated by the audience. The standard of singing from both the principal performers and the chorus was very high and it was a pleasure to clearly hear all the witty words, both sung and spoken, without the use of microphones. The orchestra, under the direction of Derek Beck, played confidently, accompanying the singers without overwhelming them.
The uncluttered set, with super lighting and very colourful costumes added to the enjoyment of the first rate production.

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