Triumphant Mikado Returns to Adelaide after National Tour

After a hugely successful whirlwind tour of country regions in South Australia, Victoria, Queensland and New South Wales, the 2016 Mikado troupe, comprising performers from both Co-Opera and the G&S Society, return to Adelaide for a short season of six performances only at the Adelaide Showground. Bookings are now open for this joyful G&S romp. Seating is cabaret style and byo refreshments and food.

7.30 pm May 6 - 7 and May 13 - 14 2016 and 3pm 8 and 15 May 2016 at Thomas Edmonds Opera Theatre, Adelaide Showground, Wayville.

Tickets: $49, Concession $39, Students under 26 years of age $16.
20% Discount on Group bookings of 10 or more full price tickets.
To Book: Manual ticketing: Paula Tel: 8447 7239 email: tickets@gandssa.com.au
Book online https://co-opera.yapsody.com/

This is a Mikado not to be missed by Gilbert and Sullivan admirers. It's amongst the most popular of their repertoire; funny, witty, caustic, satirical and elegant especially with designer David Lampard's vibrant costumes.

From left to right: Bethany Hill, Daniel Smerdon, Monique Watson and Sidonie Henbest.
(Photograph: Paul Butler)

The orchestra is drawn from the ranks of the Royal Commonwealth Society Ensemble, directed by Brian Chatterton. The cast, features many well-known names in South Australian music theatre, joined by some very promising rising talent, ably directed by Richard Trevaskis of G&S fame.

Two casts share roles with the exception of pivotal characters: The Mikado, Ko-Ko and Pooh-Bah are performed by: Daniel Smerdon, Rod Schultz and Eddie Muliau respectively in all performances.

The interstate talent joining this predominantly SA cast are: Daniel Smerdon, (The Mikado) from Brisbane, Eddie Muliau: (Pooh-Bah) from Sydney and Zachery McCulloch (Nanki-Poo) from Melbourne.

Cast List:
Daniel Smerdon: The Mikado
James Nicholson: Nanki-Poo
Zachery McCulloch: Nanki-Poo
Rod Schultz: Ko-Ko
Eddie Muliau: Pooh-Bah
James Moffat: Pish-Tush
McIntyre Howie Reeves: Pish-Tush
Grace Bawden: Yum-Yum
Sarah Jane Pattichis: Yum-Yum
Bethany Hill: Pitti-Sing
Karina Jay - Peep Bo
Monique Watson - Peep Bo
Sidonie Henbest - Katisha
Jodie O'Regan: Katisha

The Orchestra:
Anna Coleman Clarinet
Johanna Ng Violin 2
Rita Reichbart Viola
Joseph Freer Cello
Linda Pirie Flute
Amanda Home Clarinet
Matthew Holzinger Bassoon
Lester Wong Violin
Andrew Wiering Percussion

Of The Mikado Director Richard Trevaskis has said: "W S Gilbert's satire in this best known and loved of his collaborations with Arthur Sullivan, was, as always, about British society - in particular government, the monarchy and social class in general.

"At the time it was written everything Japanese was in vogue, so Gilbert's Britain was clothed in the exotic trappings of Japan, using authentic (and expensive) fabrics, and a Japanese hostess from the grand exhibition teaching the ladies Japanese deportment. It may have looked like Japan, but it was Britain heavily disguised.

"This production, with its gently modernist touches, thins the disguise, and emphasises the relevance of the satire to contemporary society and government. The striking design places the action somewhere between then and now, and somewhere between Japan and anywhere else that has a government, with a definite nod to Britain. You may even spot a couple of royal favourites."

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