The Mikado

The Mikado Story

‘The Mikado’ was first staged in 1885 at the Savoy Theatre in London. A musical comedy by Gilbert and Sullivan and known to be one of their most enduring works alongside ‘Pirates of Penzance.

The Mikado, set in the fictional town of ‘TITIPU’, is the story of betrayal and love between the Emperor’s son Nanki Poo, and his live for Yum Yum, who is a ward of Koko and is betrothed to him.

Koko a larger than life character, is in fact the ‘Lord High Executioner’. It is his job to see that the duties are carried out to the letter. Nanki Poo convinces Koko to let him marry Yum Yum for one month, after which time Koko can behead him. This will help Koko fulfill his role, as if he has not beheaded someone within a month, his position shall be abolished and the town reduced to the rank of a village. But, little does Koko know, that the Wandering Minstrel he has chosen, is none other than the Mikado’s son in disguise.

Then, there is the very formidable character ‘KATISHA’, who is the daughter in law elect, of the Mikado. It was due to this betrothal to Katisha, that Nanki Poo fled the court.

Koko who believes that the Mikado is intent on witnessing an execution, forges and affidavit to the effect that Nanki Poo has been beheaded that morning. He is aided and abetted by Pooh Bah a nobleman, who has many titles, Lord Chief Justice, Lord of the Treasury, Archbishop of Titipu, just to name a few. To get himself out of a scrap, Koko decides to marry the broken hearted Katisha himself.

Cast & Crew

Director: Sandra Hines

Assistant Director: Deanne Scanlan

Musical Director & Conductor: Alexander Colding-Smith

Principles:

The Mikado – Gordon Ball

Katisha – Julie Jones

Yum Yum – Stephanie Horan

Nanki Poo – James Riley

Koko – Pierre Nicol

Pooh Bah – Colin Simpson

Pish Tush – Steven McLachlan

Peep Bo – Alexandria Volling

Pitti Sing – Stephanie Lisch

Production Team:

Choreographer – Zita Anderson

Assistant Choreographer – Carol Carey

Stage Manager – Errol Westendorf

Sound & Lighting Technical Director – Curtis Lisch

Sound & Lighting – Bruce Noy

Sound & Lighting – Scott White

Pianist – Trish Kiessler

Chorus:

Cora Barron	Marion Centofanti	Carol Chilton	Rosie Denaro
Sarah Knox	Narelle Murray	Kathleen O’Brien	Marilyn Van Eysden
Sally-Anne Westendorf	John Carey	Mike Carey	Marc De Glas
Peter Lovely	Max Nam	Zach Wilson

Orchestra:

Maddie Manning	Hannah Rowland	Gorgia Betros	Emily Molyneux
Tonia Henshall	Josh Davis	Thomas Melton	Kirralee Parsons
Jessica Hitchcock	Sarah Carr	Jessica Davis	Guy Knopke
Alexander Whittle	Will Davis	Michael Di Mauro	Meg Chalk
Frederick Krebs	Luke Davis	Lisa Davis