CURTAIN CALL REVIEW

‘HOT MIKADO’

South Downe Musical Society

Ferneham Hall, Fareham

PERHAPS not one for Gilbert and Sullivan purists, but a tremendously enjoyable, high-quality, production that marked Alan Jenkins’ directorial debut. Set in a Forties night club, with the occasional nod to the original Japanese setting, wandering minstrel Nanki Poo arrives in town and falls for Yum-Yum. Alex Hillman and Helen Stoddart gave excellent performances, with Stoddart’s solo Sun and I beautifully delivered. The potentially-fatal consequences of their romance are resolved by the arrival of The Mikado and Perry Ralls didn’t disappoint in this iconic role. The Tit Willow seduction of jilted Katisha by Ko-Ko was comedy gold with Nick Williams hamming it up wonderfully and Jane Pegler’s earlier Alone and yet alive was another highlight among many in this good-looking, vibrant, show. The stunning set and expanded stage gave Kate Walsh scope to choreograph a variety of inventive routines for the large cast, with Alan Pring’s orchestra as impressive as ever. Hot stuff indeed!

Alan Johns