"The Mikado" by Gilbert & Sullivan

St Peter's Gilbert and Sullivan Society, Ravenshead.

St. Peter's Church, Ravenshead.

I love a good old Gilbert & Sullivan operetta, and it's been too long since I indulged myself, so thank goodness that St Peter's Gilbert & Sullivan Society have put on their concert version of "The Mikado".

This may sound strange but Gilbert & Sullivan were, to me anyway, the 1800's equivalent of Stock, Aitken & Waterman. Their songs from their operettas are instantly recognisable as being from them. They have a style and sound of their own, which is what made Stock, Aitken & Waterman the hitmakers of the 80's and 90's; tuneful, memorable and an instantly recognisable sound.

The story of "The Mikado" revolves around a young fellow named Nanki-Poo who has banished himself from the little town of Titipu. Nanki-Poo has fallen in love with a beautiful young lady called Yum-Yum. Unfortunately, Yum-Yum is engaged to be married to her guardian, the tailor Ko-Ko. When Nanki-Poo hears that Ko-Ko has been condemned to death for the crime of flirting, he returns to Titipu, only to learn that Ko-Ko has not only been granted a reprieve, but has been promoted to the post of Lord High Executioner.

Apparently, those in power, wishing to slow down the amount of executions, reason that since Ko-Ko was next in line for execution, he can't cut off anyone else's head until he cuts off his own! The Mikado, however, soon takes notice of the lack of executions in Titipu and decrees that if no executions take place within the time of one month, the city shall be reduced to the status of a village.

Ko-Ko, desperate to avoid cutting off his own head, vows to find a substitute, and as luck would have it, Nanki-Poo then wanders onto the stage with a rope determined to take his own life rather than live life without his beloved Yum-Yum. Ko-Ko immediately seizes on this opportunity and offers the young lad one month of luxurious living at the end of which he would be relatively painlessly decapitated. Nanki-Poo agrees on the condition that he be married to Yum-Yum right away so that he can spend his last month in wedded bliss. But just as the wedding celebration begins, a law is discovered, much to Yum-Yum's distress, which changes everything!

Directed, adapted and conducted by the local master of Gilbert & Sullivan, Stephen Godward, who I picked up a few tips on the art of conducting, just by watching him. His ability to tune in to what will attract people to the charms of Gilbert & Sullivan while retaining the core ingredients is perfectly balanced.

Karen Turner narrated the concert and it was really refreshing to hear a modern re-working of the story, delivered in local dialect.

Nanki Poo is played by Andrew Rushton, who delivered a lovely comedic role, and what a clear voice this man has.

James Dean, who I know from the Derby Gilbert & Sullivan Society, debuted with St Peter's G&S playing Koko, a part that he has played before. Another powerful voice combined with a lovely comic delivery. And talking of delivery, his rendition of "As Someday It Might Happen", a piece that I know as "The List Song" was delivered immaculately; as usual brought up to date with lists of people who do possibly deserve on the list to be executed. Another example of how something written this long ago can still remain topical and bang up to date.

Yum Yum is played, and voiced beautifully by Joanne Robinson; a perfect example of this is in the song "The Sun Whose Rays Are All Ablaze" just brought forth goosebumps.

The whole cast were spectacularly good and when they all come together their harmonies create chills with their wall of sound. This was my first introduction to the group, and already I can't wait to see them again.

Tony Pinchbeck (The Mikado), Georgina Lee (Katisha), Karen Hammond (Peep Bo), Max Taylor (Pish Tush), Helen Halfpenny (Pitti Sing), John Carter (Pooh Bah), Helen Kirk (Rose) and the chorus of school girls, Nobles and Gurads consisting of Val Green, DawnMcGlashan, Michelle Jemmett-Allen, Angela Eminson, Helen Kirk, Lynda Tongue, Cynthia Marriott, Rosie Hayler, Jane Stubbs, Pat Summerfirld, Ralph Tongue, Honor Grantham and Chris Kenny. A musical group that filled St Peter's Church with gorgeous harmonies, especially with the beautiful acoustics in that room.

Chris Flint accompanied the vocalists on the piano.

There are songs in this operetta that most people will have heard; "A Wanderin' Minstrel I", "On A Tree By A Willow", "Three Little Girls From School Are We", "If You Want To Know Who we Are", "A More Humane Mikado", "The Flowers That Bloom In The Spring" among them.

Some people may still be of the opinion that operetta, and opera, are highbrow forms of music and entertainment, but that's not the case. Here is an example of how a theatrical piece written in 1885 can be modern, fun and catchy and still be enjoyed by any age who enjoy a good laugh and love a good tune.

There are two more chances to catch this brilliantly funny piece of theatre as there is a Saturday matinee and an evening performance ending on Saturday evening, 18 February. Coffee, tea, water and biscuits are provided in the interval as well.