REVIEW: The Mikado by Gilbert and Sullivan, presented by Soham Village College.
Soham Village College students shone again. Their production of The Mikado was a highly successful, vibrant, and entertaining show.
The twists and turns in the tale of the town of Titipu and of the Mikado and his son's troublesome love life were c
learly told, with few opportunities lost for Gilbert and Sullivan's light mocking tones.
The cast and chorus amused the packed audience with some first-class singing, highly credible characterization and polished stage movements that brought this Gilbert and Sullivan gem positively alive.
Josh Robins played a magnificent Mikado. His proud stature, amazing facial expressions and accomplished singing filled the role superbly.
Ralph Watts was a deliciously excitable Lord High Executioner, Jack Logan a credibly authoritative Lord High Everything Else and Daniel Betson a readily identifiable much-troubled son of the Mikado. They were joined by a notable noble Lord played by James Seymour.
The leading girls also excelled. Isabel Rice (Yum Yum), Naomi Rogers (Pitti-Sing) and Maddie Hickish (Peep-Bo) were the epitome of the graceful, melodious and beautiful characters expected. Jessica Theobald, another leading lady (Katisha), filled the stage with melodramatic gesture and song.
The choruses of The Gentlemen of Japan and Schoolgirls were essential participants and the swiftness of their stage movements (in spite of their tiny steps), their skill with a variety of fans that had characteristics of their own and their excellent singing enhanced the production considerably.
The show was produced and directed by renowned experts in the field: Stephen Kenna and David Tickner, who were supported by an excellent team.
The script was enhanced with up-to-date additions and the names of Gordon Brown, the credit crunch, Japanese car manufacturers and local places and people were gently made fun of – no-one was safe.
Costumes, and hairdos in particular, were spectacular while lighting, sound and stage scenery and props were without flaw.
This was indeed a sparkling and thoroughly entertaining show.
