THE  HOT MIKADO        Toads Stage Musical Company       Palace Theatre, Paignton

Director :Iain Douglas Choreographers: Elaine Gard and Julia Cole  M.D. Alan Wagstaff

This was a bright, energetic and foot tapping show, which I really enjoyed.  So often I have seen this show when the cast have not really understood what it is all about and try to do a “jazzy Mikado.”  This company performed “Hot Mikado” with an understanding of the musical styles included in the show. 

The music was very well controlled with the swing, jazz and blues styles extremely well played and sung. The close harmony singing was a pleasure to listen to.

Katisha was outstanding, certainly the star of the show. She performed her character to perfection and looked very comfortable whilst doing it. The three girls, Yum-Yum, Pitti-Sing and Peep-Bo all performed their roles with energy and enthusiasm and their singing was strong especially when they sang above the chorus.  I would have liked Yum-Yum to look at the moon whilst she was singing about it, especially as it was so evident. Nanki-Poo sang well and worked hard in what was his first major role and Pooh-Bah, Pish-Tush and Go-Too all gave enthusiasm and fun to their roles. 

The choreography was kept quite simple, enabling all to perform it well however it did need a little more variation. I also felt that the Gilbertian dialogue needed a little more thought as some of the jokes were lost. The costumes were colourful and the set was most effective.  This was a most entertaining show and I had a thoroughly good afternoon.