Reviewed by Ann Durrell
After watching Sasha Regan’s production of HMS Pinafore, I was very excited to see her all male performance of The Mikado and I am happy to say I was not disappointed.
Shunning the usual Japanese setting, Regan’s production opens into a 1950’s camping trip where we first meet the cast dressed in short trousers and pullovers. It is a much more traditional public schoolboy setting with the cast appearing in short trousers and pullovers. Throw in a cricket bat which later doubles as Ko-Ko’s axe and it’s an inventive twist on the classic tale of The Town of Titipu.
For those who are unfamiliar with the plot of this classic Gilbert and Sullivan, our hero is Nanki-Poo (Richard Munday), a travelling musician who has returned to the town of Titipu in order to woo Yum-Yum (Alan Richardson) who he had met on a previous trip. During his absence, Yum-Yum has become betrothed to her Guardian Ko-Ko (David McKechnie). Ko-Ko had been found guilty of flirting, an offense most severe in Titipu with the punishment beheading. In a twist, he has thus far been saved from his fate and instead has been appointed as Lord High Executioner. There is the small fact that in the 12 months since his appointment no executions have taken place, much to the displeasure of the Mikado king of Japan. Of course, being Gilbert and Sullivan, it is not as simple as that and there are twists, turns and secrets all projected in the most hilarious manner by Sasha Regan’s production.
Everything about the performance is polished and expertly pulled off by the entire cast. Musical director Richard Baker has done an excellent job in the composition. Baker also single handily provides the soundtrack from his piano side of stage whilst also acting as conductor for the more complicated musical numbers.
Choreographed by Holly Hughes, the movements across the entire production are well put together and defiantly not simple, one of the opening numbers had impressive arm movements that even diversity would be jealous of! For such an impressive performance it remains relatively simple in its set and costumes. When the male cast transform into their female roles it is done by rolling up of their short pants and donning of headbands, simple yet highly effective.
David McKechnie was one of my favourites from HMS Pinafore and I think as Ko-Ko he excels. Slightly Faganish in his stature, plotting and scheming how he can come out of the whole escapade with his head still attached to his neck, and with Yum-Yum by his side of course! Alan Richardson’s portrayal of Yum-Yum is simply brilliant, just his facial expression had me giggling away. It is his impressive falsetto that really has the audience transfixed, he is stunning. As our hero Nanki-Poo, Richard Munday does a sterling job and him and Richardson are a perfect pairing for the lead roles. Jamie Jukes and Richard Russell Edwards played Yum-Yum’s sisters and I loved their onstage sibling rivalry, always trying to out-do each other to take front of stage.
I just love the light hearted campness of Regan’s productions, it literally just had me grinning from the start to the very end note.
The Mikado is one to catch.
Rating: 5/5
Tickets cost from £19.50 to £29.50 (booking fees may apply).
The Mikado is at The Lowry in Manchester from 25-29 July 2017, for more information or to book tickets visit www.thelowry.com or call the box office on 0843 208 6000.
The Lowry, Pier 8, Salford Quays, Manchester, M50 3AZ | 0843 208 6000
