![\"Picture\"](\"https:\/\/www.operasoutheast.org.uk\/uploads\/2\/6\/1\/8\/26189144\/mikado-postera5_orig.jpg\")
At the present time Gilbert and Sullivan\u2019s Mikado is a tricky one to perform in an entertaining way, without provoking cries of, racism, cultural appropriation and general bad taste. Opera South East managed to pull it off on April 9\/10 at the White Rock Theatre.<\/p>\n
The artistic director, Denis Delahunt, made sure that references to the Japanese, in any derogatory way, were removed, and that the costumes were suitably modern. The emphasis was on fun.<\/p>\n
The soloists were all very individual characters. The \u2018three little girls from school\u2019, entertained with their schoolgirl mannerisms and penchant for taking group selfies. Yum-Yum, played by Louisa Alice-Rose, grew up somewhat in the second half and gave us the full beauty of her voice in solo arias<\/p>\n
Ko-Ko played by Oscar Smith was outstanding thoughout, holding our attention expressing fun and warmth in tension with his dastardly plans. His modernised \u2018little list\u2019, was full of laughs.<\/p>\n
The chorus supported well musically, but I must confess I found them too static. Even though the set included an outside caf\u00e9, I don\u2019t think anyone sat down and no drinks were served.<\/p>\n
William O\u2019Brien as Pooh-Bah however, utilised stiffness to express his character, which was only softened by \u2018the insult of a bribe\u2019.<\/p>\n
The production was a triumph over the adversity of Covid stops and starts since 2019, and should be congratulated on its fruition.<\/p>\n
Sally Hick<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
At the present time Gilbert and Sullivan\u2019s Mikado is a tricky one to perform in an entertaining way, without provoking cries of, racism, cultural appropriation and general bad taste. Opera South East managed to pull it off on April 9\/10 … Continue reading