 | Christchurch Gilbert and Sullivan Society | |
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| Who would have thought that a comic opera which first saw the light of day 116 years ago could be performed today with no discernible updates and still seem as fresh as when it was new? Yet that is what Christchurch G&S have achieved with this hugely enjoyable production, directed by Nigel Finch, in which almost every character is larger than life and every line is beautifully paced to bring out the nuances of Gilbert's libretto. It is true that neither the delightful Yum-Yum (Ruth Hastings) nor her chums Pitti-Sing (Sue Higgins), Peep-Bo (Elizabeth Senior) and the chorus of schoolgirls are "18 and under", but what they lack in youth they make up for in "girlish glee". | And Christine Eastwood, although lacking the height to be a truly imperious Katisha, more than compensates with a powerfully histrionic performance. The chorus of Japanese Nobles, led by Stephen Adams' haughty Pish-Tush, makes a fine sound, and John Ponting's fine tenor voice does great justice to the role of Nanki-Poo. And I have rarely, if ever, seen the Mikado (John Love) and Pooh-Bah (Mark Ward) so well played. But the evening's gold star must go to Zachary Higgins' hangdog Ko-Ko, a joyous performance to really treasure. And, as if all that was not enough, the magnificent set was absolutely outstanding and the orchestra was superb. | |||