THE MIKADO SA Light Opera Society (SALOS) Tower Arts Theatre Musical Written By: Gilbert and Sullivan Directed By: Pam Tucker (MD Helen Loveday) Gilbert and Sullivan’s “THE MIKADO (or The Town of Titipu)” has become one of the most-performed pieces of musical theatre in history. As with many of their productions, the show which premiered at the Savoy Theatre in 1885, satirises aspects of Victorian Britain’s politics and aristocracy; in The Mikado, however, the duo cleverly cloaked these criticisms behind a charming story set not in Britain, but in exotic Japan. What goes around comes around in politics of course, and many of the themes seem familiar and just as relevant today as when The Mikado was first performed! Nanki-Poo, the son of the Mikado (the Japanese emperor), has fled in disguise to avoid marrying a much older suitor, and to find and marry his own beloved, the beautiful Yum-Yum. Yum-Yum, however, is the ward of Ko-Ko, the lord high executioner, and has become betrothed to him against her will. In the meantime, Ko-Ko finds his job difficult to carry out as the Mikado puts pressure on him to fulfill his quota of killings, but the executioner realizes he is too soft-hearted to kill anyone. His solution is to trade a month of marriage to Yum-Yum for Nanki-Poo’s life (though he only pretends to kill him), but, of course, the plan backfires as Ko-Ko finds himself subject to capital punishment for allegedly killing the Mikado’s son. In typical G&S style, the tangled web unravels, and everyone lives happily ever after. Witty comedy, memorable tunes, a little romance, and endearing characters, along with some light-hearted contemporary references, make this satirical piece of musical theatre a popular favourite to this day. Performances by SA Light Opera – April 24-27, 2025. Approx. Running Time: 2.5 hours with 20 minute interval Suitable for ages: all ages Performance Dates: Thursday April 24, 7.30pm Friday April 25, 7.30pm Saturday April 26, 2pm Saturday April 26, 7.30pm Sunday April 27, 2pm Venue: Tower Arts Centre, Pasadena Bookings: https://www.trybooking.com/CZLNU online now for extra convenience! Book online to select live from the best available seats and receive your ticket confirmation instantly by email. – select your own seats ! https://www.trybooking.com/CZLNU Programmes can also be prepurchased online with tickets. or call Pam 8294 6582 to be allocated the best available from your preference. Pricing: Tickets Adults $35 Concession $30 Children $20