As part of the annual Gilbert And Sullivan Festival held in Buxton each year, The National Gilbert And Sullivan Opera Company performed a pair of their Savoy Operas today in the surrounds of the truly beautiful Opera House. This afternoon's offering was, 'The Mikado'.
Directed by Sarah Helsby Hughes, we found ourselves in an all boys' English-styled prep school in the 1950s, which was where the entire performance took place. It was a little too far to stretch one's disbelief that this was the town of Titipu in Ancient Japan, but it was an interesting and brave choice. I don't believe it worked quite as well as she was hoping it would. The singular set composed simply of flats enclosing a classroom with desks and chairs, moved into various positions for each scene, was perhaps a little too minimalist. The costuming mirrored this idea with chorus wearing school uniforms, and principals wearing costumes as befits their job titles / status. A caretaker, a school master, etc.
Some comedy was found within this premise, although sometimes the choreography pulled focus from the principal singer [ideas such as skipping, boxing, and making potions for example]., and the pace of the show was certainly on the slow side. The executioner's list - a part of the show which traditionally lampoons our current government, society and etc.. was delivered with style and was excellently done. Very enjoyable.
The cast, especially the principals, were all well chosen, and I enjoyed their characterisations and voices. The ensemble feel created within the company was almost tangible, and the story told clearly and simply. The whole simply lacked oomph!
The orchestra under the direction of Murray Hipkin sounded lovely, despite some of the songs this afternoon being taken rather slowly, adding to the feeling of languor in this production.
All-in-all, a hugely proficient and enjoyable production of a G+S favourite, which would have benefited greatly from a upward swing of dynamism.
Reviewer - Matthew Dougall
on - 9.8.23
on - 9.8.23
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