Quench
The Hot Mikado
By Tasha Prest-Smith & Renyi Lim
1950s America met pseudo-Japan in this adaptation of a Gilbert and Sullivan operetta. The Hot Mikado showcased sheer talent and impressive dedication to produce a visionary and auditory feast. With Japanese-style satin outfits and jazz-inspired music, fresh from the onstage band, this was an all-round exuberant and joyful performance.
While the choreography was polished and innovative, the singing from all the lead parts shone throughout, particularly that of Pitti-Sing (Louise Milne), Peep-Bo (Lucy Fairburn) and Katisha (Zoë Cruse). The high notes they frequently hit, coupled with the rich consistency of their voices, amazed the audience.
One of the stand out songs was ‘I’ve Got A Little List’ by the brilliant Ko-Ko, the Lord High Executioner (Simon Walters), describing the list of people who ‘wouldn’t be missed’ if they were obliterated. This included ingenious parodies of gormless WAGS, Americans dressed as burgers, and sour-faced emos, along with caricatures of Tony Blair and George Bush.
Other notable performers included Nanki-Poo (Ciaran Price) and Yum-Yum (Rhian Davies) for their convincing, endearing display of devoted love, Pooh-Bah (Phil Legg) for his cocky swagger and wonderfully garish yellow suit, and Pitti-Sing (Louise Milne) for her squeaky yet delightfully blunt statements.
Perhaps the lady who really stole the show was Katisha (Zoë Cruse), the aging sexpot with bouffant hair and an unforgettable attitude. Cruse managed to combine humour with a more touching element, to great effect.
The bizarre seduction scene between Katisha and Ko-Ko, who hilariously sang to her using a puppet, followed by another song, where Katisha decided she wanted him after all, showed female domination at its very best.
Overall, this was a show that offered a little something for everyone.
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