Hot Mikado

Temperatures may be falling outside, but Nora Howcroft's flashy, dynamic, deliriously upbeat production turns up the heat until it bursts the barometer. It is rowdy, colourful and quite simply terrific.

This 1986 update of the classic Gilbert and Sullivan Japanese operetta has thrilled audiences worldwide, and Walmsley have put their stamp on the show, and claimed their place in the canon. Every song is given a vivacious infusion of jazz, swing or blues, and Catherine Pilkington's immaculate choreography, coupled with stunning costumes, leaves you dazzled. Or they would, if the music from Adrienne Wormald's orchestra didn't carry you away.

Simon Pickup is a brilliant, edgy Nanki-Poo, while Steve Benson, as ever, is superb as Pooh-Bah, the captain of cool. Vicki Wilson is lovely as a feisty, thoroughly modern Yum-Yum, and Dave Reeves (a delight to see him again) is a hilarious, camp Mikado. Both David Wilson (Ko-Ko) and Kathy Turton (Katisha) are simply outstanding. Wilson plays his Lord High Executioner with the wily panic of Sergeant Bilko, while Turton, whose two solo numbers are supreme show-stoppers, elicits genuine sympathy for a comic figure.

There is excellent support from principals Don Fairclough, Allison Smith and Lindsay Farnworth, while the impeccably drilled chorus make this a sassy, sparkling party that the audience justifiably cheered to the rafters. this is a big, bright classic.

Nigel McFarlane

A vibrant, glitzy production from director Nora Howcroft with excellent choreography from Catherine Pilkington and an orchestra which handled the complex mixture of styles, and took the music at pace, under the direction of Adrienne Wormald.

The staging was simple but effective and good use was made of the various levels. The society also paraded a line up of accomplished principals. A sound performance came from Don Fairclough (Pish-Tush) whilst Steve Benson put in a smooth, relaxed portrayal of the latter day spin-doctor, Pooh-Bah.

Simon Pickup made an excellent Nanki-Poo whilst Dave Reeves, appearing like a phoenix from amongst a bevy of be-feathered dancers, was a rather "affected" Mikado. Concentration on the plot slipped at this point due to the veritable forest of shapely limbs (Oh – what we put ourselves through for the sake of our art?).

The three little maids were played by Vicki Wilson (Yum-Yum). Alison Smith (Pitti-Sing) and Lindsay Farnworth (Peep-Bo). All three gave great performances and were vocally strong. The jewels in the crown were David Wilson (Ko-Ko) and Kathy Turton (Katisha). David's timing was impeccable as the Sgt. Bilko styled Ko-Ko whilst Kathy's solo numbers were from the uppermost branches of the musical tree.

Dazzling costumes along with good chorus work and dancing rounded off what was an exceedingly enjoyable show.

Glyn Neary