VISUALLY spectacular, musically overflowing with memorable songs and acting to amuse and delight were seen in abundance in The Mikado, as presented by Carl Rosa, in the recreation of the original 1885 stage version.

Costumes were stunning. Gentlemen of the chorus wore an array of authentic Japanese designs (each one different) and ladies lovely kimonos, set first in a courtyard of red and gold, dragons decorating, secondly beside a peaceful lake.

Slick choreography, with many coordinated fan movements by the chorus, and ingenious actions between main characters, made high entertainment. Orchestral playing was of a high standard and the chorus was excellent. Clarity of words of all singers was commendable.

The Mikado was an impressive figure in black and gold, singing with distinct clipped diction and with a horrendous roar! His son, charming Nanki-Poo, sang his Wander-ing Minstrel song admirably, and through a nonsensical pattern of events managed to marry attractive Yum-Yum at last, after her singing of The sun whose rays, and Pooh-Bah, Lord High 'everything' sang well with superb breath control.

But it was those veterans of G&S, Simon Butteriss and Nuala Willis as Ko-Ko and Katisha who really stole the show. Ko-Ko, diminutive, master of rapid delivery of libretto and comedic in action, partnered with Katisha, over bearing in red and gold, singing with authority, were a perfect foil for one another and their ridiculous antics brought cheers from the audience.

The Mikado continues until tomorrow (Saturday).

JILL HOPKINS