This review is taken from the
September 2006 NW Issue of the NODA magazine. If you wish
to view it on the NODA website click here
The Mikado
Burnley & District Gilbert & Sullivan Society
Produced by; Brian Townend
Musical Director; Geoff Balson
The audience enjoyed a wonderful opening overture kept to a
strict tempo and an agreeable volume level under the
guidance of Geoff Balson. Maybe it was only me but I felt
like I was travelling back in time to a traditional music
hall watching the traditional Mikado. T his was because of
the beautiful surroundings of The Pendle Hippodrome
Theatre, Colne, a new venue for this group.
There was a wonderful opening frieze with great scenery in
both Act 1 & 2. The costumes were good being of the
period. However, some of the head attire of the men left
something to be desired - you wouldn’t see me wearing that
at Ascot!
The opening number of Gentleman of Japan was well executed
by a strong men’s chorus.
Nanki-Poo was played by Damian Trafford who performed a
lovely rendition of "A Wand'ring Minstrel I". Damian had a
lovely voice and gave a nice relaxed delivery of what,
sometimes, can be a weak role, well done. Pish-Tush was
played by Dean Viner who gave a very good account of
himself within this role. Pooh-Bah (The Lord High
Everything Else) was played by the exceptional Mick Dawson
with both great diction and a fantastic singing voice and
with great use of facial expressions. Mick nailed this
character showing us all the eccentricities linked with
this role. I have seen Mick in a number of different roles
now and you can see how much work he has puts into creating
a different character on each occasion - what a talent!
Well done.
Ko-Ko was wonderfully played by Roger Nuttall who gave us a
gusto entrance on a scooter. Right from the start he nailed
this role using both body, face and diction to create a
very believable character who won over the audience. This
performance by far was one of the best I have seen and his
rendition of "I’ve Got a Little List" and "Tit Willow" will
remain with me as great comedy moments: a talented young
person with so much to offer - hank goodness you’re in
region 3 - a superb performance that stole the show. I
loved the trio,"I Am So Proud"; this worked well.
Pitti-Sing was played by Janie Vita and Peep-Bo was played
by Susan Land. Bboth delivered solid characterisation and
sang well especially in "Three Little Maids From School."
Yum-Yum was beautifully portrayed by Elizabeth Dixon
creating a wonderful waif-like character who sang with the
most fantastic soprano voice I have heard for a while. The
duets with Damian worked well with both voices
complementing each other and "The Sun and I" was terrific.
This young individual has so much more to offer. Although
at first I felt you seemed a little nervous you soon
changed that and gave a class performance. I hope to see
you in other roles like this - well done.
Katisha was played to perfection by Heather Nicholas who
gave us a solid performance with a strong character who
worked well with Ko-Ko especially during their solo at the
end "Beauty in the Bellow", and sang an excellent "Alone
and Yet Alive."
The ladies chorus sang and moved well.
The costumes were colourful and the beautiful wigs from
Joan Preston were just in keeping with the period. The
whole show was great giving first class harmonies and good
movement - a credit to both the Director and MD. Well done.