Opera Review: The Mikado @ Coliseum

By Sam Smith Last edited 157 months ago
Opera Review: The Mikado @ Coliseum

Jonathan Miller’s production of The Mikado, arguably Gilbert and Sullivan’s finest creation, is now enjoying its twenty-fifth anniversary revival.

Though the comical story, which sees everyone trying to escape execution including the executioner, is nominally set in Japan, all of the jokes are about English values. Miller consequently takes the decision to set the action in 1930s England with a dashing white, and slightly surreal, set.

There are some weak moments. The three little maids’ song is static as the principals remain seated throughout, while conversely the singing of the beautiful madrigal is marred by visual distractions. With the insertion of a dozen dancers, however, this is undoubtedly a dynamic production that combines the professionalism of English National Opera with a healthy dose of panache.      

There has surely never been a better all-round cast. Alfie Boe is a dashing Nanki-Poo, Donald Maxwell a suitably haughty Pooh-Bah, William Robert Allenby a rosey-cheeked Pish-Tush and Claudia Huckle a rich voiced Pitti-Sing.

The old hand Richard Suart is marvellous as the snivelling Ko-Ko, whether he is acting the tennis playing twit, billiard shark buffoon or wretched white suited suitor. As Yum-Yum Sophie Bevan phrases her central song wonderfully, while in the title role Richard Angas proves an incredible listener as he reacts to everything going on around him. In the pit Peter Robinson delivers a slick account of Sullivan’s score, although there is too great a sense of urgency about the Overture.

There may be a hint of tiredness about this production after so many years, but this won’t be noticeable to anyone who hasn’t seen it before, and those who have will probably want to return anyway just to see this cast.

Until 11 March (nine performances) with start times of 15.00 or 19:30. Tickets: 0871 911 0200 or from the ENO website.

Read our ENO season preview.

Photo: Alfie Boe as Nanki-Poo and Sophie Bevan as Yum-Yum, © Chris Christodoulou

Last Updated 27 February 2011