Trowbridge Amateur Operatic Society.
“The Mikado” May 2004, Civic Hall.

This popular and well known Gilbert & Sullivan Operetta was presented in a most professional manner.

The Set, designed and constructed by the Director, Phil Courage, assisted by foundation studies students at Wiltshire College, Chippenham was most effective and appropriate with a practical traditional Japanese bridge. The beautiful costumes from Bath Theatrical Costume Hire were most colourful and attractive. The properties were very good and the lighting was extremely well controlled with many atmospheric changes.

The well-balanced Orchestra under the Musical Direction of Helen Heaton was most tuneful and never too loud.

The chorus singing left nothing to be desired and was also extremely well balanced. The Choreography by Felicity Courage was appropriately inthe Japanese style and some of the men’s dances were reminiscent of the Samurai and very well executed. I have seen Ko-Ko performed in many different ways and Graham Billing added yet another interesting interpretation which I liked tremendously. I was, as always, very impressed with Sean Andrews. His portrayal of Nanki-Poo was very professional and his singing delightful.

Paul Butler gave us an inspired characterization of Poo-Bah - very different and most impressive.

Sometimes Pish-Tush is rather under-played, which is a pity, but Ian Bell proved what an important part this is. With a bold approach to the part and strong singing this was a most impressive performance.

Gwynne Evans was a fine Mikado. His annoyance with Katisha when she tried to “take over” his song was extremely well portrayed. Another fine voice and well sung.

Kate Courage was a delightful Yum-Yum. Full of bounce and flare and with a beautiful voice. Her “The Sun, Whose Rays Are All Ablaze” was very professional. Felicity Courage as Pitti-Sing excelled in “Brightly Dawns Our Wedding Day” and Hannah Lockwood gave an excellent portrayal as Peep-Bo.

Allison Moore as Katisha was wonderfully austere and then delightfully seductive in “There is Beauty in The Bellow Of The Blast”.

I congratulate everyone who had anything to do with this presentation. It was of the highest standard throughout.

Alec J. Ruddick.
N.O.D.A. Regional Representative.