What NODA thought …
Dorothy Johnstone attended our Saturday matinée and reported on behalf of NODA:
The Mikado is an operetta I know particularly well, so I thought I pretty much knew what to expect from this production. How wrong I was. The curtain rose to reveal the Gentlemen of Titipu in casual trousers, shirts and waistcoats wearing brightly-coloured bowler-type hats alongside the Ladies of Titipu in fluorescent wigs, black trousers or long skirts underneath a white open kimono-type dressing gown. Then the arrival of Nanki-Poo casually dressed with a black leather jacket and carrying a trombone, followed by three little maids in figure-hugging short black dresses which at times got lost against the black ramps and scaffolding which made up the set. No traditional colourful Japanese set or orange blossom. And not a fan in sight … I must confess that it took me a little time to get used to what I was seeing, but when I did I found the concept of this production quirky and intriguing. Rectangular boxes moved cleverly around the stage helped to create different playing levels, although at times this was a little distracting. Another twist was Ko-Ko being played by a female and Katisha played by a man.
Although this was certainly a very different, innovative production, the score and script remained true to the work of Gilbert and Sullivan. The standard of singing by both the chorus and principal characters was extremely high and maintained throughout. Yum-Yum (Lindsey Cotter), Pitti -Sing (Katy Williamson) and Peep-Bo (Sinead Black) blended well vocally. Nanki-Poo (Alex Gunn) had a most pleasing light tenor voice which contrasted well with the resounding bass voice of Pooh-Bah (George Alexander), Lord High Everything Else and Pish-Tush (Martin Tarr). The Mikado (Matthew Sielewicz), complete with top hat and short jacket, also gave a strong impressive performance.
There were certainly some high-standard characterisations in this production but, in my opinion, the Oscar-winning performance was Susanne Horsburgh’s Ko-Ko. Scurrying about the stage, swinging from scaffolding, and with brilliant comic timing, this really was a brilliant performance which kept the show moving along at a great pace. Robin Ozog’s Katisha, the only character in Japanese costume, was also a tour de force. “Alone and yet alive” was beautifully sung, and for me was one of the show’s highlights. These two characters interacted brilliantly. “Tit Willow” and “Beauty in the bellow of the blast” were both excellent. Act 2 has some gorgeous small ensemble numbers such as “The flowers that bloom in the Spring” and the Madrigal, and the harmonies in these numbers came through very well indeed.
This was undoubtedly a very different Mikado from any other I have ever seen or performed in and I have the greatest admiration for the director and the company for taking up the challenge of doing something totally different. I am sure there will be some who prefer to stick to tradition but, if the audience response was anything to go by, this was a most successful venture.
It was also a pleasure to present nine long service awards at the end of the production.
NODA presentations
Mike Pendlowski: 45 year Silver Bar
As usual, NODA awards were presented on-stage, this year by Dorothy Johnstone, Regional Representative for District 6 (Edinburgh area), who recalled playing Yum-Yum in our very first Mikado production way back in 1971! These symbols recognising service to amateur theatre went to:
- Mike Pendlowski: 45 year Silver Bar
- Martin Tarr: 40 year Silver Bar
- Jack Archibald: 25 year Long Service Medal
- Ian Anderson: 20 year Badge
- Theresa Wilson: 20 year Badge
- John Allen: 15 year Badge
- Joy Campbell: 15 year Badge
- Willie Campbell: 15 year Badge
- Jim Robinson: 15 year Badge
This post will work its way down the page, but you can see all the recent presentation history at this link.
Spring variations
The main work in the programme is the Trumpet Concerto by Bruce Fraser whose sudden death a year ago shocked the musical world. The soloists will be John Wallace, CBE, former Principal of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, and Kate Cooper, a 4th year student at the RCS and a former pupil of Queen Anne High School.
Ellen Patrick says: “This should be an excellent concert – interesting and varied programme. The ballet music from Pineapple Poll contains tunes from many G&S operas. One of the composers, John Gourlay, played the oboe in The Mikado. There will be six or seven of The Mikado orchestra players performing.” More information on the poster linked to the image.
Tickets £8 for adults and £4 for children on the door or via Glen Driver (07473 752369) for the Dunfermline concert. Tickets for the Kirkcaldy concert from Ellen Patrick.
Kirkcaldy Pirates!
We know it will be good fun, and that we’ll recognise some well-kent characters who have graced our own productions, with Robin Ożóg playing Major-General Stanley (as well as directing the show), Nick Temperley as young Frederic, Dave Smith as Sergeant of Police, and some of our chorus members as pirates.
What’s not to like! Tickets are available from the KGASS ticket page or by contacting Elaine on 07949 381898.
Prize Draw results
The Mikado Prize Draw has now been drawn and Anne Dolbear, our Treasurer and the draw promoter, would like to say a big “thank you” on behalf of the Society to the businesses and people who so generously donated the prizes.
First prize of a Weekend for Two at Peebles Hydro went to Jim Robinson: thank you to the Hydro for giving us this at a greatly reduced rate.
Second prize of an Amazon echo dot went to Moira Melrose from Dunfermline: thank you to Sinead for donating this.
Third prize of a ukulele was won by Fiona Crook, c/o Sharon Edgar: thank you to Macintosh Musicroom for this, and to Rae for obtaining it for us.
Fourth prize of a voucher for Camera Obscura was won by Carol Osborne: thank you to Camera Obscura for this, and to Lindsey for obtaining it for us.
Fifth prize of a hair and beauty voucher was won by Sarah Alexander: thank you to The Den in Dunfermline for donating this.
Thank you too to the members who sold these tickets, whether to themselves or to other people – we managed to raise over £700, not bad for a first attempt at this.
If you have any queries, contact Anne Dolbear (01383 823083).
“I wasn’t there …”
Ann Duly (a member for 40+ years) has had recurring back trouble; Jo McBrearty took a tumble at the orientation rehearsal and is nursing a sprained ankle. Commiserations to both of you, and we wish you a full and speedy recovery. So do the Kirkcaldy G&S Society, where Jo is one of their team of pirates!
Best production ever!
“The best G&S production I’ve seen in 25 years” was one audience member’s reaction to last night’s first performance. And her view was echoed by others in the audience, who enjoyed the many new touches that Rae Lamond brought to her production of The Mikado. Those who were in the Carnegie Hall enjoyed some excellent playing by the ‘Titipu Town Band’ under the baton of Eddie Maclennan, and some fine singing from a line-up of principals, most of whom are really “young persons”, as Pooh-Bah would put it. And, of course, our vigorous and committed chorus both acted and sang well.
This production is something you will kick yourself if you miss, so head to Dunfermline for 7:30pm this evening, or come tomorrow (24 February) when we offer shows at 2:30pm and 7:30pm. We look forward to seeing you in Titipu!
Next appearance
Your next chance to see the Society on stage at Carnegie Hall, Dunfermline will be on 19–21 February 2026 in a sparkling production of Strictly Patience.
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