Mikado

Yeadon Town Hall,

Aireborough Gilbert & Sullivan Society

If you would like to depart the doom and gloom of the soaking weather we have had recently, then do go this week and step inside the Town Hall at Yeadon to see this joyful, exotic and colourful production of the Mikado.

You will immediately be transported to Japan – no airport needed. The stage and set look splendid. With the help of production manager of Paul Dennison the Society members have designed, built and painted the set themselves – quite an achievement. Most of the authentic-looking costumes were made by long-standing member Janice Summers with the help of Jane Clough. The lighting which Paul Dennison is also in charge of adds such colour and glow to the costumes and background, the overall effect being most impressive.

The Mikado must be the best-loved and the best-know of the G&S operas. First produced at the Savoy Theatre, 14 March 1885, written by Gilbert and composed by Sullivan it has a quirky and witty script, but the show’s strength lies in the wealth of Sullivan’s glorious music.

A wonderful overture begins the show. The lovely Wand’ring Minstrel Eye, Three Little Maids from School, Flowers that Bloom in the Spring, are but a few of the many songs that delight in this musical score. Aireborough G&S Society are known for their singing prowess and it is a pleasure the listen to signing of this quality.

Musical director Maureen Earl has been with the society a number of years now and how lucky they are to have the benefit of her expertise. Her care of her singers, chorus and principals alike is admirable and so important.

How pleasing to see that Andy Lunn had been invited again as director. His first show with Aireborough G&S was last year when he made such a success with Iolanthe. He has worked wonders for the society and his involvement has brought a different dimension to their productions. The Mikado is a difficult show to put across and his easy manner and experience have proved invaluable. As director he also has the benefit of an excellent cast of principals. There is not one weak link.

I was surprised – and I don’t mean that to sound in any way disparaging – by the performance of Andrew Baxter as Lord High Executioner, probably the most important character in the show. It must be the largest role Andrew has undertaken. He has come through the ranks of the society playing small parts, showing more confidence with each role. He excels as Ko Ko. His singing is clear and expressive, he is completely at ease with the dialogue and character of the role. His singing of the lovely Kit Willow was beautifully times and sung. He has become a real asset to the society.

Martin Campey as Pich Tush and John Colston as Poo Bah also gave fine performances, both with good voices and clear diction. The trio’s I Am So Proud was a wonderful example of G&S at its best. The frustrated love element is provided by leading lady Rachel Warren as Yum Yum and Paul Richmond as Nanki Poo, they are seasoned players with Aireborough G&S and musically both are gifted. Rachel’s beautiful soprano voice heard at best in the haunting The Sun Whose Rays. Paul’s vocal range is impressive in the popular song Wand’ring Minstrel Eye. In the lilting Three Little Maids From School, Rachel is joined by Gillian Fawcett and Heather Field as Pitti Sing and Peep Bo respectively.

I particularly enjoyed their quartet with Poo Bah in the excellent Madrigal Brightly Dawns. Margaret Barnes plays Katisha, an unhappy elderly lady who thinks she is in love with Nanki Poo who is actually the Mikado’s son. She sings beautifully the song Alone And Yet Alive.

Rather strangely the Mikado of Japan does not make his entrance until almost half way through act two. Donald Stephenson has an overwhelming stage presence and command of performance. Also an amazingly powerful singing voice. He is an ideal Mikado. He has just received an award for best singing character actor as the Mikado at Buxton International G&S Festival 2013. John Trenouth is in charge of the sound system and deals with this in his usual professional way.

The Mikado is a very difficult show for make up and wigs people, the company all having to look very Japanese. Barbara Matthews and team will have a busy week. I would also just like the mention the rehearsal pianist Martyne White who is excellent but doesn’t play in the orchestra in show week. He lives up in the Dales with his family, quite a way to travel throughout the rehearsal period.

Aireborough Gilbert and Sullivan Society are to present the Sorcerer in February 2015.

Val Pennett