Rosie Sales reviews the GASP! production of Gilbert and Sullivan’s Mikado at Bembridge Village Hall…
Ah, ‘The Mikado’, one of Gilbert and Sullivan’s most famous masterpieces, reflected in the popularity amongst the Friday evening audience at Bembridge Village Hall, just one of GASP!’s 5 sell out performances.
Under the experienced baton of David T. Yates, the extremely talented orchestra began the overture – special mention must go to the violinist (Neil Courtney). Several members of the audience were humming along, so it was clear they knew their G&S.
The stage was dressed elegantly in black and white. It was refreshing to see that director (John Abraham) alongside Assistant Director (Libby Pike), had taken some risks and opted for something different from the usual traditional Japanese design for this show, instead setting their production in the 1930’s. The theme was consistent throughout and enhanced by fantastic black and white costumes, wigs and props with just a splash of dramatic colour within the lighting at times.
The Nobles and Guards, alongside the male sitting chorus, should be commended on their confident opening vocal, showing off their ability to keep the harmonies flowing perfectly balanced over the top of the music (Although a black and white themed fan drill would have gone down a treat here) Similarly, the ladies sitting chorus supported the harmonies alongside the School girls/Noble ladies on stage but the addition also supported making performing accessible and inclusive for all.
Debbie Small (Choreographer) kept the show moving along nicely and did a stellar job with a very large ensemble cast on an extremely small stage area – (not an easy task). It was felt perhaps at times, some of the bigger ensemble numbers may have appeared slicker and more confident if simplified even further in places, however overall, the vision was recognised.
A very impressive principal line up too. Rob Bingham (Nanki-Poo) and Lucy Hinkley (Yum-Yum) added some lovely moments together within the show and wowed the audience with their stunning vocals throughout.
It’s always nice to celebrate people getting what may be considered their ‘moment to shine’ and for this production, Anita Davies got just that. A challenging and demanding vocal as Katisha, but Anita was perfect – What an entrance, what a dress, what a voice.
Another cast member getting her moment to shine was Theresa Martin, who was lovable and charming as Pitti-Sing, with clear diction, a pure vocal and her animated facial expressions. One particularly lovely moment was the friendship evident in ‘Three Little Maids” alongside Yum-Yum (Hinkley) and Peep-Bo, played by Abbi Leverton. Some perfectly overacted moments from the trio really helped lift the pace of the scenes.
No stranger to Island stages, or that of G&S, Paul Stevens delivered a solid and comedic performance as Pooh-Bah. Paul attracted many sniggers from the audience, as he reeled off his never-ending responsibilities and job titles.
Rodger Hooper playing the title role – The Mikado, was a real treat. Hooper’s song and scenes were ‘executed’ with clear diction and demeanour.
When you imagine the Lord High Executioner of Titipu, you probably don’t invisige a man in a shower cap and silky night gown which made Andrew Jenner’s take on Koko so funny to watch. The audience particularly giggled at his solo “Willow, Tit-Willow” accompanied by a hand puppet. An energic performance throughout.
A standout moment of the show was the “Brightly dawns our Wedding Day/Madrigal” song which included Yum Yum (Hinkley), Pitti-Sing (Martin), Nanki-Poo (Bingham) and Pish-Tush confidently played by Andy Kay, where their 4 part harmonies sounded heavenly.
Bembridge was certainly treated to a night at the opera – even if some of the scenes felt a little more ‘Carry on Mikado’, it certainly made everyone walk away humming the tunes and smiling. It was wonderful to see local theatre so well supported and overall, the directors, cast and creative team delivered a real ‘Feel Good’ show and what was really evident was that everyone loved being part of it and had evidently worked extremely hard behind the scenes.
This reviewer put it “on her list” to ensure she saves the date for the company’s next production.
