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Opera

The Mikado, London Coliseum

21 Nov 15 – 06 Feb 16, 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM

Jonathan Miller's evergreen production of Gilbert and Sullivan's finest operetta returns to the English National Opera

By CW Contributor on 18/5/2015

1 CW reader is interested
The Mikado, London Coliseum
The Mikado, London Coliseum
The Mikado, London Coliseum The Mikado, London Coliseum Joe Lloyd
When Arthur Sullivan presented the unjustly neglected composer Ethel Smyth with his oratorio The Golden Legend and claimed it was his best work, the usually seriously-minded dame had to demur: The Mikado (1885) was his masterpiece. Gilbert & Sullivan’S mid-career operetta has achieved a level of fame that quite surpasses their other beloved collaborations. With its Eastern flourish, biting critique of Victorian politics and memorable tunes, The Mikado has transcended its satirical origins to become one of the key pieces of the English operatic repertoire.


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Jonathan Miller’s production for the English National Opera, almost thirty years old today, might just be that director’s finest hour too. Revived constantly since its original appearance, Miller transformed the Japan-inspired town of Titipu into an elegant 1930s grand hotel – ramping up the libretto’s very English sense of camp while forsaking its nineteenth century orientalism. The edges are softened, creating something so sweet that Miller has claimed to want his audience to feel as if “they have overeaten an enormous meal of cream meringue”. There cannot be a better introduction to Gilbert and Sullivan’s delightful work, which is all too often regarded an anachronism.

There have been enhancements and updates through the years, with contemporary references thrown in each revival, but Miller’s original vision still stands intact. The exuberant sets by the sadly deceased Stefanos Lazaridis remain, as does Anthony van Laast’s winningly bizarre choreography. And Richard Suart, who has played the central comedic role of Ko-Ko since the 80s, remains on hand to enliven proceedings. ENO Harewood Artists Mary Bevan and Anthony Gregory play the almost-starcrossed lovers Yum-Yum and Nanki-Poo, while veteran bass Robert Lloyd makes his Mikado debut in the title role. The music will be lead by the promising young composer Fergus Macleod, here making his debut as the ENO’s Charles Mackerras Fellow.



What The Mikado, London Coliseum
Where London Coliseum, WC2N 4ES | MAP
Nearest tube Charing Cross (underground)
When 21 Nov 15 – 06 Feb 16, 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Price £12-125
Website Click Here to book via the English National Opera

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  • Practical

    ENO 2015/16 BOOKING

    The English National Opera have launched their line up for much of next season, and it's an exciting one: five new productions and three esteemed revivals, with bel canto classics alongside works from Mozart, Verdi, Gilbert & Sullivan and Philip Glass. General booking opens on 27 May, but if you are a friend of the company you can choose the prime seats from 6 May. A week before the public release, on 20 May, half-price disability tickets will be available, as will the seasonal subscription offer, which gives you a discount on your overall order when you buy for three or more productions at once. 

  • What the critics say

    THE TELEGRAPH

    'A quarter of a century old and on its umpteenth revival, Jonathan Miller’s production of The Mikado still comes up as fresh as paint.'

    Rupert Christiansen

    THE GUARDIAN

    'Stefanos Lazaridis's art deco set and Sue Blane's black-and-white costumes have earned classic status in their own right. They have not dated at all. Neither has Miller's staging.'

    George Hall

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