The Mikado Christopher Hewitt ( Kitty Shaw) and David McKechnie (Mr Cocoa) Photo Mark SeniorRegan has surrounded herself with repeat offenders in her cast of misbehaving mischief-makers as her production transposes the story to a British public school on a camping trip to Titipu in the 1950s where they encounter a wand’ring minstrel, decidedly confused executioners and sundry little maids from school. As Bertie and Violet fall for one another (despite both being betrothed elsewhere) the risks of beheading and being buried alive loom large, such are the bizarre laws of the region. Many of the societal barbs of the day have undoubted relevance now and the story never fails to take a pop at the pomposity of institutions, ubiquitous hypocrisy in political circles and naive idiocy wherever it manifests.
On opening night at Wilton’s Music Hall the cast was a mixed bunch, with half appearing seasoned and stage-savvy whilst the remainder either amateurishly unsure of themselves or overplaying every scene as though it were a cruise ship extravaganza or pantomime, which grows tiresome very quickly. The requirement for male soprano head voice in such shows can be hilarious (verging on excruciating), but in general was achieved with some style and power with Sam Kipling (as Miss Violet Plumb) growing into a dependable presence in such productions. Declan Egan (as Bertie Hugh) added height and matinee lead tenor notes whilst David McKechnie (as Mr Cocoa) brought some much needed experience, comedy timing and stagecraft to gel the troupe.
Ms Regan’s undoubted dedication and commitment to producing and directing entertainments which might encourage and inspire a new generation of theatregoers (at her Union Theatre and elsewhere) is long overdue recognition, but I am sure she would be just as happy with full houses. The production runs until 1st July and then on to Winchester, Bath and Truro.
Erik Ransom’s music and lyrics may not always hit Sondheim’s stride (despite the occasional dubiously-similar refrain and couplet), but he has certainly crammed as many gay dating-app tropes and references into a 2 hour show as is humanly possible — and the results are undeniably entertaining.