THE MIKADO SA Light Opera Society (SALOS) Until 03 Aug 2008 Review by Fran Edwards With an updated line here and there, Gilbert and Sullivan’s favourite operettas stay fresh and the ‘The Mikado’ is the top of many people’s lists. With a strong cast of singers, this version does not disappoint, sounding everything it should be and everything it can be in the confines of a hall masquerading as a theatre. The orchestra, under the competent hand of Daphne Harris, occasionally sounds thin and drags the overture a little, but mostly does a sterling job. This being a traditional rendering of G & S, there is no choreography to speak of, but the movement with fans gives some diversion and the costumes are colourful and appropriate. Both movement and any technical additions are restricted by the venue. The standout voices of the night are Alex Bond as Nanki-Poo and Danielle Ruggerio as Yum-Yum. Ruggerio is supported well by Helen Loveday and Jemma Matthews as her ‘maids’ Pitti-Sing and Peep-Bo and David Roberts makes a wonderfully officious and silly Pooh-Bah. Jeff Patrick would benefit from more animation as the Mikado himself and his mishap with a moustache didn’t help his confidence on opening night, but he is convincing in the songs, as is Andrew McGarry as Pish-Tush. Katisha is brought to life by Maria Geraghty and delivers her songs with the right mixture of haughtiness and venom. Added to that, she works well with Aaron MacDonald, who makes a bumbling but schemingly hilarious Ko-Ko. MacDonald needs to watch his diction in the list song; pity to lose the nuances. The comedy highlights of the evening are ‘Were you not to Ko-Ko plighted’ by Ruggerio and Bond, ‘Here’s a Howdy-do’ with Ruggerio, Bond and MacDonald and ‘The flowers that bloom in the spring’ with those three plus Loveday and Roberts. A personal favourite of mine, ‘Madrigal’, was beautifully executed. If you enjoy G & S this is for you!