...based on The Mikado by W.S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan

"East met West head-on in this hilarious 1940's style updating of the perennial G & S classic. With the music transmuted into blues, Cab Calloway swing, hot gospel, scorching torch songs and "Three Little Maids" turned into an Andrews Sisters' show-stopper, this zoot-suited tap dancing colourful show certainly provided the ideal evening out for the whole family."

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST REVIEW - 8th March 2004

Kill Bill meets Guys and Dolls in this adventurous and witty reworking of Gilbert and Sullivan's classic operetta from the ladies and gentlemen of Cockett Amateur Operatic Society, in which the action is updated from feudal Japan to the American gangster era.

Cerian Forrest, undoubtedly one of the finest young performers to have emerged from amateur circles in recent years, does a fantastic job as Yum-Yum, while Nicholas Packer fares well as Nanki-Poo.

This is clever stuff, incorporating a wealth of topical gags and references, as well as spirited contributions from the likes of Peter L. Howard, Nia Trussler-Jones, Ken Thomas, Liz Stockton, Mark Warren and Neil Owens. Lyndy Harding is particularly striking as Katisha, a larger-than-life character whose charismatic presence and powerful voice are nothing short of perfect.

Purists may disapprove of updating Gilbert and Sullivan's works for commercial purposes, but this is undoubtedly a fine way of introducing newcomers to the works of one of the best songwriting teams of the 19th century.

Full marks to Artistic Director Kathryn Rice and new Musical Director Lyndon Samuel for their distinctive contributions to this lively production, which is guaranteed to set toes tapping until the end of its run on Saturday.

Directed & Choreographed by : Kathryn Rice Musical Director : Lyndon Samuel

Cast

Nanki-Poo - Nick Packer

Pish-Tush - Mark Warren

Pooh-Bah - Peter L. Howard / Ko-Ko - Ken Thomas

Yum-Yum - Cerian Forrest / Peep-Bo - Liz Stockton

Katisha - Lyndy Harding / The Mikado - Neil Owens

Pitti-Sing - Nia Trussler-Jones

GENTLEMEN OF THE CHORUS - Back Row - Gareth P. Griffiths, Terry Davies, Tim Drean, Owen Jenkins, Roy Colman. Front Row - Gareth Huxtable, Jonathan Williams, Jamie Howard, Michael Aubin, Spencer Jones.

LADIES OF THE CHORUS - Back Row - Zoe George, Celine Forrest, Laura Williams, Catherine Perry, Hannah Simpson, Amy Walker, Lisa Thomas. Middle Row - Cath Fraser, Karen Warren, Joanne Giblin, Lesley Jenkins, Nicola Thomas, Beverley Harris, Phillipa Andrews, Helen Stevens. Front Row - Denise Vaughan, Anwen Cale, Joan Croot, Brenda Davies, Judith Phillips, Beti Colman, Glen Rees, Jennifer Hughes.