The Mikado, London Coliseum - ★★★★ - Until November 30, 2019


Lovers of Gilbert and Sullivan don't miss this one! The ENO does a thoroughly amusing production of this classic. Updating the costumes and set to the 1920's and the High Executioner's list to today, the ENO re-invents and yet stays true to the original. The show remains the silly, romantic romp that we all enjoy, even as Gilbert's lyrics may make us ponder some deeper questions such as the impermanence of life and love and the arbitrariness of justice and convention. Chris Hopkins and the orchestra do a beautiful job of celebrating Sullivan's wonderful music and all the cast are quite on point. Richard Suart gets it just right as Ko-Ko, the Lord High Executioner and Andrew Shore is delightfully pompous and craven as Pooh-Bah. Soraya Mafi's Yum-Yum is convincingly sweet, girlish and vain. She beautifully delivers her paean of self-adoration in "The sun whose rays." Elgan Llŷr Thomas does a lovely version of "A wand'ring minstrel I" and is suitably lovestruck as Nanki-Poo. Yvonne Howard is alternately comic and then poignant as Katisha, and John Tomlinson literally embodies the Mikado in his enormous suit. This is a production that absolutely delivers on the great fun, sly gibes and charming melodies that define the Gilbert and Sullivan experience.

Reviewed by J.C.
Image: ENO The Mikado 2019, John Tomlinson. © Genevieve Girling

 Our Score:  ☆☆☆☆ 

Want to save on tickets? See our Tips page.

WHEN, WHERE, GETTING THERE:
Until November 30, 2019
Oct 28 & Nov 2, 9, 16, 22, 30 at 7 pm
Nov 2, 9, 30 at 2 pm
London Coliseum
Nearest station: Charing Cross
https://www.eno.org/whats-on/the-mikado

Most Popular

St. Martin in-the-fields: Lunchtime Concerts ★★★★ FREE

Intimate Apparel ★★★★★ Donmar Warehouse | Jun 20 - Aug 9, 2025

The Ministry of Lesbian Affairs ★★★ Kiln Theatre | Jun 13 - Jul 12, 2025

Evita ★★★★ The London Palladium | Until September 6, 2025

Showmanism ★★★ Hampstead Theatre | Jun 18 - Jul 12, 2025

The White Chip ★★★ Southwark Playhouse, Borough | Jul 9 - Aug 16, 2025

Noughts & Crosses ★★★ Regent's Park Open Air Theatre | Jun 28 - Jul 26, 2025

Diamonds and Dust ★★ Emerald Theatre | Jun 16 - Sep 28, 2025

4.48 Psychosis ★★★★ Royal Court Theatre | Jun 12 - Jul 5, 2025

Till The Stars Come Down ★★★★★ Theatre Royal Haymarket | Jul 1 - Sep 27, 2025

The City Life Magazine | Reviews & Ratings