UK Theatre Network

 When I told a friend that we would see a production of a Gilbert & Sullivan opera she was less than enthusiastic about it – “old fashioned, stuffy, museum piece.” However, after seeing the G&S production of H.M.S. Pinafore by Charles Court Opera she was a fan. John Savournin’s clear and imaginative productions put G & S operas in a new light. There is not one dull moment in his shows. 

Charles Court Opera now present Gilbert & Sullivan’s best loved opera The Mikado at the Rosie. Directed and choreographed by John Savournin, who also plays Poo-Bah, The Mikado is performed by an exceptional cast and two talented pianists – the Eaton-Young Piano Duo.

The act opens with a group of Japanese nobles. Prince Nanki-Poo— masquerading as a musician—returns to Titipu eagerly seeking Yum-Yum, as he has heard that Ko-Ko was condemned to death for flirting. He introduces himself, and, to his dismay, learns from Pish-Tush that although Ko-Ko was indeed to have been beheaded, he was reprieved at the last moment and made Lord High Executioner instead. As the criminals must be executed in order, and Ko-Ko was next in line, no one else can be executed until Ko-Ko cuts off his own head. For a small fee, Pooh-Bah, a ponderous aggregation of conflicts of interest, reveals that Yum-Yum is on her way home from school and will be wed to Ko-Ko this very afternoon. Ko-Ko is in a bit of trouble because the Mikado has ordered him to execute one person within a month.

John Savournin is excellent as Pooh-Bah in all his sardonic arrogance as he states: “I can’t help it. I was born sneering.” The scene with the Three Little Maids from School is hilarious as they tug at him playfully, giggling with delight as he flinches with embarrassment. Kevin Kyle and Catrine Kirkman are a charming, romantic couple as Nanki-Poo and Yum-Yum. Ko-Ko as played by Philip Lee, is still the tailor as he hems Yum-Yum’s wedding costume. His wooing scene with the fantastically frightening Daughter-In-Law-Elect is one of the comic highlights of the show as Katisha (a wonderfully malicious Rosie Strobel) exclaims: “Is there not beauty even in bloodthirstiness?” Simon Masterson-Smith conveys the authority and cold indifference of the Mikado beautifully. 

Definitely go to see this show! It is worth the trip to Islington.

 Until 23 October

Tickets: £ 16 / £ 14 (concessions), Matinees £ 14 / £ 12

BOX OFFICE: 020 7704 6665

The Rosemary Branch, 2 Shepperton Road, London N1 3DT