Cast (in order of appearance) Pish Tush Nanki-Poo Pooh-Bah Ko-Ko Yum-Yum Pitti-Sing Peep-Bo Katisha The Mikado Jonathan Hassell Simon Crowley Neil Ben Ted Blake Diane Morgan Sarah Blackstaffe Sarah La-Plain Margaret Morrison Brian West The Ladies & Gentlemen of Japan Glenys Blake, Margaret Bunker, Alan Bunner, Angela Charles, Julia Day, Angela Dunnett, Les Elliott, Lisette Foster, Elaine Gee, Michael Gee, Celia Glanville, Gillian Harman, Dennis Hopwood, Jackie Lack, Ray May, Sue Mitchell, Andy Nutkins, Sally Rayner, Julie Richardson, Lana Sauer, Jill Schrodel, Lauren Scott, Dawn Sikora, Nigel Simpson, Stephen Smails, Tricia Tebbatt, Vera West The Band Piano: Susana Castellot Drums: Kenny Stone Trumpet: Scott Barnard Bass: Peter Wright Reed: Jamie Deighton Trombone: Terry Gardner Production Team Musical Director Director & Choreographer Tom Rainbow Jo Sherry

NODA Review

SOCIETY: WEMBLEY OPERATIC SOCIETY (WOS)
PRODUCTION: HOT MIKADO
VENUE: WINSTON CHURCHILL THEATRE, RUISLIP
DATE: 18/5/02 (matinee)
REPORT BY: HARVEY KESSELMAN

I am pleased to say that I am not a traditional Gilbert & Sullivan fan, and although I do like seeing (and performing) the original type of G & S production, I am always happy to see a non-traditional performance of these operettas. The Joseph Papp version of "Pirates" is a delight, and I have seen various other adaptations, some of which have been enjoyable. WOS's 'Hot Mikado' was great fun. This was the second production of this very clever version of The Mikado that I have seen recently, and both were in their individual way very good.

However, I thought it was a slight mistake to combine the men and women in the opening number, after all it refers to the Gentlemen of Japan, and the programme did state that it was to be sung by the Gentlemen!! I always enjoy Simon Crowley's performances, and although his acting as Nanki-Poo was enjoyable, perhaps the singing was slightly beyond his range. This did not spoil his overall performance. Neil Ben's Pooh-Bah did not quite have the authority or the pomposity this character required, although there was some humour in the role. There did seem to be a little difficulty with his amplification on his first entrance, although this did improve as the performance continued. I did like Jonathan Hassell as Pish-Tush, his animation throughout the whole show was very good if occasionally OTT.

Of all the comedy parts in the G & S operettas, the role of Ko-Ko is probably the most famous. And Ted Blake obviously enjoyed himself, although on occasion he sounded more like Nathan Detroit. However his costume left a lot to be desired. It did not fit very well, and I would have preferred something more fitting for a 'Lord High Executioner'. The trio "I am so proud" was very well done, and the passing of the Mikado's 'letter' was most amusing.

The three little maids were very good; their trio was very well received, although they seemed to be unaware of Nanki-Poo's entrance as quickly as they should have. Diane Morgan's Yum-Yum was delightful, being both naive and charming. She was well supported by Sarah Blackstaffe's Pitti-Sing and Sarah La-Plain's Peep-Bo.

The highlight of the show was the entrance of Katisha. A stunning performance by Margaret Morrison. She dominated the stage with her presence, her 'Alone and yet Alive' was excellent, and her duet with Ko-Ko was great fun.

I have to say I was rather disappointed with Brian West's Mikado. I realize he is not a dancer, but I found his comments whilst those who could were tapping away, unfunny and unnecessary.

I'm not sure that I agree with the men being present in the opening of the second act, after all it is set in Yum-Yum's boudoir (or whatever it's called in Japan). Perhaps I'm being a bit picky!! The second act certainly went with a swing, and Angela Dunnett's 'Braid the Raven Hair' was nicely sung. All the numbers in this act were well performed, and I did like the way Yum-Yum's costume was changed behind that screen.

I have already said how much I enjoyed Katisha's solo, her costumes were terrific, and although in general the costumes were in keeping, there was a slight discrepancy with the length of some of them in the ladies chorus.

The amount of energy needed in this show is tremendous, the precision a necessity, the ability to sing the arrangement of the music essential. That WOS succeeded in all these categories is due to Tom Rainbow as M.D. and Jo Sherry as Director and Choreographer. The band (on stage) played very well, coping with the difficult music, and the chorus movement was very energetic. The set was excellent and the Stage Manager, his assistant, Stuart La-Pain and Robert Spolander together with their crew, are to be congratulated on running a tight show. The Lighting designed by John Jetten, sound Denis J Cater and Ron Laver, make-up by Ginni Hardy, and all those associated with this show, helped to make this a most successful and enjoyable Hot Mikado.

Finally, a special thank you to Ethel Fidler for looking after my wife and myself.