by Ian Diddams
images from Jon Lo Photography
Ask the typical man – or woman – in the street which Gilbert & Sullivan performances they can name, and you may well receive such answers as “Top Of The Pops, 1972”, “Man about the House”, “Crucible Theatre World Snooker Final 2001” and “Who? What?”. [ That’s a bit left field? – Ed ] . However, amongst the cognoscenti within this theoretical vox-pop, you may find some that do actually understand the question… and amongst the more likely answers of “Pirates of Penzance” etc, you may well find somebody suggesting “The Mikado”.
The Mikado has had some troubles in recent years being staged, as the core principle of Gilbert’s satire being the send up of BRITISH society by utilising an alternative environment which was all the rage in London Society at the time, is confused with patronising that other place. You may disagree with me, which is your prerogative, of course. But whatever the reasons it has become … uncomfortable … presenting The Mikado as how it was historically performed.
More modern adaptations however have avoided any unnecessary disquiet by setting the operetta in other situations – Devizes based White Horse Opera staged a highly successful version set in a dystopian country ruled by a despotic dictator akin to a 1970s central American military president just a few years ago … I know because I was the Mikado! This in itself however is also I believe to be refreshing – if all such shows (including Shakespeare etc) were always performed in exactly the same manner, aside from Sullivan’s wonderful music they may quickly lose their shine – seen one, seen them all. Reimagining the background creates new ways of looking at the story, naturally.
So step forward “Forbear! Theatre”, a London-based professional theatre company known for producing innovative Gilbert and Sullivan shows, and their splendid Terry Pratchett inspired adaptation, performed at The Mission Theatre prior to their transfer to New York. Minimal changes have been made to the text in bringing this fantasy kingdom to life, with the same madcap characters, plot and iconic songs that have been loved for generations. This version of “The Mikado” aims to represent Gilbert’s original intention by being set in an other-worldly, beautiful and dangerous fictional culture; the perfect canvas onto which to paint British flaws. And of course, Sullivan’s sublime and clever – almost cheeky – music.
So come and find out for yourself how Gilbert’s characters fare in this Pratchett inspired fantasy world at The Mission Theatre, July 22nd and 23rd 2025. After all, others have praised this production to the hilt already
“They live for their art. And it shows in their show. You could put this production on at the London Coliseum” (*****) – London Theatre 1
“Superb singing and silly goings on in the land of Tirwudu” (****) – London Pub Theatres
“Rachel Middle has given an old story a beautiful new home” (****) – North Westend
“A real triumph from the creative team who have passionately and carefully reimagined this iconic piece of theatrical history” (****) – The Deskbound Dramatic
“Brilliantly subversive” – Everything Theatre
Tickets from https://www.missiontheatre.co.uk/whats-on/2025/the-mikado
devizine.com 