In any drama there is that character that is determined to get their way, always with specific problems. Then there is Katisha, she is “an acquired taste – only the educated can appreciate her”. Jill Ratcliffe brought out the pathos of the character as well as being a great stooge for Ko Ko. The two lovers Nanki-Poo (Lawrence Shoebridge) and Yum Yum (Charlotte Crossley) equally held the stage. The mock romance duet when Yum-Yum and Nanki-Poo think about flirting, even though it is against the law, was well played. Enter the Mikado. In the title role, Jack Brierley commanded the stage with his characterization and rich voice. He is a performer who will be in demand. Ko-Ko is the M.C of the piece. In this version, he is the Groucho character as played in those early film comedies. Ko-Ko has nowhere to hide, he has to drive the story line: energy levels cannot drop, and the relationship with the other characters has to be strong. Seb Lassandro ticked all the boxes giving a solid, playful Lord High Executioner. His updated rewrite of the ‘Little List’ song was much appreciated by the audience. This revisit to Titipu was entertaining: it was also pleasing to hear all of Gilbert’s jokes still getting laughs. It is over a hundred years since the society first staged The Mikado: after this performance the company’s future is clear.
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