The All-Male Mikado at the King’s Theatre Edinburgh Review

Reviewed by Emily Crombie

Sasha Regan’s The All-Male Mikado or The Town of Titipu is playing at the King’s Theatre in Edinburgh until Saturday 13th May.

Written by W S Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan, The Mikado opened in London in 1885 when it ran for almost two years. Sasha’ The All-Male Mikado is directed by Sasha Regan and produced by Sasha Regan, Ben De Wynter, Hilary A Williams and Stuart Williams.

The all-male cast adds an additional comic dimension to the show and they sing in the original key.  The actors all have fantastic mannerisms particularly those playing the female characters and it is these little details that make the show… the way they move, interact, touch each other – they have it down to a T.

Set on a camp site in the town of Titipu in Japan, the plot revolves around death, particularly decapitation as punishment for flirting. Nanki-Poo (Richard Munday), a wandering minstrel, is in love with Yum-Yum who is betrothed to Ko-Ko (David McKechnie). The Mikado (James Waud) decrees that the town will be demoted if an execution doesn’t happen within a month. Nanki-Poo agrees to be beheaded if he can spend the month with Yum-Yum but it transpires that he is the Mikado’s son.

Alan Richardson stood out in the role of Yum-Yum, his voice is fantastic. The sun, whose rays are all ablaze was fabulous. The lyrics of the songs throughout are hilarious and the diction was excellent.

Musical Director Richard Baker provides the only musical accompaniment on the piano as well as conducting the a cappella sections.

The King’s Theatre is an ornate traditional theatre situated in Leven Street in the Bruntsfield area of the city. We were seated in row J of the stalls which was comfortable with plenty of leg room and excellent visibility.

Do not be put off by the fact The Mikado is an opera, it is a comic opera and it is very, very funny.

Rating: 5/5

Tickets cost from £17 to £30.50 (booking fees may apply).

The All-Male Mikado is at the King’s Theatre in Edinburgh from 9-13 May 2017, for more information or to book tickets visit www.edtheatres.com or call the box office on 0131 529 6000.

King’s Theatre, 2 Leven Street, Edinburgh, EH3 9LQ | 0131 529 6000