Hot Mikado at The Alban Arena**** (From St Albans & Harpenden Review)

Hot Mikado at The Alban Arena****

1:30pm Wednesday 18th May 2011 in Reviews

There is no doubt that St Albans Operatic Society’s production of Hot Mikado was an especially sizzling and spicy version of this Gilbert & Sullivan classic. With its Three Little Maids just about staying on the right side of propriety and an imposing dominatrix Katisha, the G&S meets S&M interpretation may have been a shade too risque for the more conservative fan. Whatever the debate regarding virtue versus vulgarity, no one could complain about the first class singing, thumping orchestra and exuberance of the lively chorus.

Ian Rowe’s clever East End gangland backdrop provided opportunity for all manner of Cockney villains and cheeky chappies to inject new humour into Gilbert’s cynical satire. That said, at times it felt as though some of his original wit was not exposed or emphasised as it might have been while some principals appeared not to have had a definite character to lock onto and develop.

The love interest provided by Louisa Stevens (Yum Yum) and Pedro Lloyd-Gardiner (Nanki Poo) positively smouldered. Both easy on the eye and on the ear, their chemistry and rapport was delicious. Equally watchable were Kerry Lee (Pitti Sing) and Penny Joyner (Peep-Bo). Their gritty ‘Am I bovvered?’ attitude and eye-popping costumes ensured they held the audience's attention and, no doubt, kept the St Johns Ambulance crew busy attending to those in the audience who were struggling to keep their racing pulses under control.

As Katisha, Charlotte Gregory gave a truly memorable performance. Equally at home as a venomous vamp or a vulnerable victim, her bluesy singing was nothing short of superb. Her scenes with Ko-Ko (Graham Jackson) were carefully crafted with both performers treating the audience to a lesson in comedy.

Michael Moore