People people-watching in bustling New Regent Street, folks out and about in their finery, and a sea of black and white as those carrying black instrument cases make their way towards an unassuming looking back entrance off Gloucester Street - New Zealand Opera is back at the Isaac Theatre Royal, and this time it's for their 2017 production - Gilbert and Sullivan's The Mikado.
Set in Japan, and first performed over 120 years ago in a theatre in London, it might be difficult to see how this comic opera could appeal to the sense of humour of people here in 2017 Christchurch. Sitting in the audience last night, and hearing all the laughter around me throughout the show, I can tell you that this production has updated itself fantastically. Harajuku girls, the use of cellphones as a plot device, and references to Donald Trump and theatre etiquette mean you'll forget that this opera has been around for long enough to become a theatre classic, and will enjoy it even if you aren't a regular opera-goer.
The Mikado's story follows Nanki-Poo, the son of the Japanese Mikado (or Emperor), in his journey to Titipu in search of his sweetheart, Yum-Yum. Unfortunately for him, Yum-Yum is now engaged to her guardian Ko-Ko, and the woman Nanki-Poo was intended to marry is not overly happy at being left behind so unceremoniously. ... Also, Ko-Ko isn't that keen to have a rival love interest, either. What follows is an hilarious story of love, loyalty and power, and a reminder that sometimes even the best-laid plans don't work out quite the way you'd expect.
This show was a delight to watch, and by the end of it my cheeks hurt from all the grinning and laughing. While I thought that all the cast members did a great job portraying their characters, I particularly enjoyed Brendan Coll's version of the character Ko-Ko. With his wide range of facial expressions and various voices, I don't think I have ever spent so much time laughing at someone with the job title 'Lord High Executioner'!
I also thoroughly enjoyed watching Andrew Collis as Pooh-Bah - he's the epitome of pomposity in this show, but he's spoken to Moata and it looks like in reality he's a really nice guy.
Along with the cast, members of the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra and the creative team involved with The Mikado have created a production that has a combination of visual, verbal and physical comedy, and is accompanied by an instrumental arrangement that adds to the overall enjoyment of the show. I highly recommend going to see it - the Isaac Theatre Royal is a beautiful venue, and this is an opera that will appeal to more people than just the usual opera crowd. With sensuous left shoulder blades, aunties with moustaches, and wandering 21st century minstrels peddling their CDs on Marine Parade, why not make The Mikado your introduction (or re-introduction) to Gilbert and Sullivan?
You only have until Saturday March 11th to head along and see this great show, so grab your tickets and get ready for a fun night out.
To prepare for the show, or to relive the experience afterwards, jump into our collection and check out what Mikado-related material we have in a range of formats.
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