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The Mikado
The Mikado was performed at Round Hill School in Beeston between Tuesday 26th October and Saturday 30th October 2004.
This was our first show after the destruction of the Duchess Theatre. We had moved to Round Hill Primary School in Beeston so the decision was made to put on a less complex and easier to manage show (because we were in a new environment - one that wasn't purpose built as a theatre - and the move away from Long Eaton would potentially affect our audience).
One of our members, Rob Corner, was brought in to Direct the show, after he had successfully Directed Brigadoon for another society. His first decision was to change the setting of the show.
For those of you who are not familiar with this show, it is by far the most famous of the Gilbert and Sullivan comic operas. It was first produced on the 14th March 1885 at the Savoy Theatre, London and later (6th July 1885) at the Museum, Chicago. Not without reason this one of the most popular of the long line of 'Savoy Operas', for Gilbert's text is a masterpiece of comic writing which Sullivan's ever tuneful music is perfectly adapted, serving in a remarkable manner to convey the amusing character of the words.
Originally written set in Japan during the latter part of the 19th century, the Japanese characters were nothing more than thinly veiled caricatures of ourselves. For BMTG's performance of The Mikado, the setting was adapted to the mid-western (Chicago) post prohibition (1935) America. Set in a nightclub, 'The Oriental', during the period the characters, although staying loyal to the original names, are now seen as Gangsters, Molls, Dancers and Nightclub patrons. Based on a crime family of the period the 'Godfather/boss of Bosses' - 'The Mikado', through his son a 'Cugine' - 'Nanki-Poo' to the 'three Maids' played by the dancers at the club, added additional weight to the original script, without detracting from the fine score.
Worries about the move from Long Eaton to Beeston were soon found to be unfounded as the show sold incredibly well, with superb reviews from audience and the press alike.
In a small number of productions, Gilbert used foreign locales in an attempt to soften the impact of his somewhat 'pointed' satire. However, as a reviewer noted following an early review of the operetta 'though nominally Japanese, the allusions in The Mikado are more or less thinly-veiled references to the native institutions and peculiarities of Great Britain'. This is a trend noted by many people in every G&S production and perhaps a contributory factor in the shows' endearment to the hearts of the audiences.
The story follows a short period in the life of a domineering Nanki-Poo, the son of The Mikado, who, in order to escape marriage to a lady, Katisha, flees his father's firm and masquerades as a travelling minstrel.
It is there that he falls in love with a beautiful showgirl, Yum-Yum, who is the ward of Koko, at that time a cheap tailor. However, Yum-Yum is betrothed to her ward and the young man leaves in despair.
The operetta starts one year later when Nanki-Poo returns to town to find only a small number of changes. The most important being that Ko-Ko has now been awarded the exultant rank of Lord High Executioner and his imminent marriage to Yum-Yum.
Meanwhile, the Mikado decrees that an execution is to take place and hands the task on to Koko, who is somewhat preoccupied in the planning of his forthcoming marriage.
Nanki-Poo approaches Koko and makes him aware of his intention to end his own life in desperation of Yum-Yum's unavailability. It is then that Koko comes up with his master plan.
Koko consents to the marriage of Nanki-Poo and Yum-Yum on the condition that Nanki-Poo be beheaded after one month. However, Koko proves to be too soft-hearted to carry out the execution and instead, with the help of two conspirators Poo-Bah and Pish-Tush, sign an affidavit stating the death of Nanki-Poo.
The Mikado, on seeing this, condemns the hapless three to death. Only the appearance of young Nanki-Poo can secure their safety...
This time last year I had no idea that I would be welcoming you tonight to this venue for a production of “The Mikado”. We were scheduled to be at The Duchess Theatre to perform “Jesus Christ Superstar”! However, due to the fire at The Duchess just two weeks after “Kismet” last year, here we are back at The Round Hill Primary School where we produced shows for many years before moving to the Co-op Arts Theatre in Nottingham and from there to The Duchess Theatre in Long Eaton. I’m happy to report that the re-building plans for The Duchess are, as I write, awaiting planning permission and should hopefully be passed by the time you read this. Work is due to start at any time now with a completion date for around November 2005. If all goes to plan, the new Duchess Theatre will be one of the finest theatres for amateur productions in the East Midlands and we will be proud to be one of the first companies to produce a show there. We have re-scheduled our calendar and will be producing “Jesus Christ Superstar” in late January 2006 and we will be taking bookings in early 2005.
The show you are about to see is of course “The Mikado” by Gilbert and Sullivan. Originally set in Japan, we have moved it from Titipu to Chicago in the 1930s, set in a mobster run nightclub which lends itself well to the plot. I’m sure you will enjoy the music and the humour, written as only Gilbert and Sullivan can do it, but with little variations and BMTG additions to put it into context! It really is extremely funny and I’m certain that you will enjoy it. Rob Corner is making his début as Director for Beeston Musical Theatre Group whilst our Musical Director is Lisa Mills once again and we thank them both for all their hard work in producing this show.
Next year we shall not be producing a show in October because we will be rehearsing for “Jesus Christ Superstar”. However, we have plans for a good concert season for you in April/May where we have concentrated on Musicals written by English composers. The musical content is exciting, the music varying between vibrant, romantic and funny. We shall be doing two nights at Roundhill School so make sure you don’t miss out.
Our thanks must go to Headmaster, Randall Lewis, for allowing us the use of the school and to the Site Manager, Rick Johnson, for all his help over the last three or four months. I must also thank the Production Team, Stuart Veitch in charge, Andy Onion on Sound, Mike Beedham on Lighting and Celia Birch on Set Design, they have all worked so hard to ensure that the show is a success. Thank you all.
This year our President, Michael Wright, is celebrating his 50th year in amateur theatre, the vast majority with Beeston Operatic Society (now Beeston Musical Theatre Group) which he was instrumental in founding some 38 years ago. Our congratulations go to him with our thanks for all the time and dedication that he has given to our Society over the years.
Thank You for supporting us tonight. Please sit back and enjoy the Beeston Musical Theatre Group’s production of “The Mikado”.
Mike Cottee, Chairman
Hello and welcome to our latest production, The Mikado.
This is my first show at the helm with BMTG and before I go into the notes for the show, I would just like to say a big thank you to everyone within BMTG for their support and encouragement over the last six months.
For those of you who are not familiar with this show, it is by far the most famous of the Gilbert and Sullivan comic operas. First produced 14th March 1885 at the Savoy Theatre, London and later (6th July 1885) at the Museum, Chicago.
Not without reason is this one of the most popular of the long line of “Savoy Operas”, for Gilbert’s text is a masterpiece of comic writing which Sullivan’s ever tuneful music is perfectly adapted, serving in a remarkable manner to convey the amusing character of the words.
Originally written set in Japan during the latter part of the 19th century, the Japanese characters were nothing more than thinly veiled caricatures of ourselves.
For BMTG’s performance of The Mikado, the setting has been adapted to the mid-western (Chicago) post prohibition (1935) America. Set in a nightclub, “The Oriental” during the period the characters although staying loyal to the original names are now seen as Gangsters, Molls, Dancers and Nightclub patrons. Based on a crime family of the period the “Godfather/boss of Bosses” – “The Mikado”, through his son a “Cugine” – “Nanki-Poo” to the “three Maids” played by the dancers at the club, add additional weight to the original script, without detracting from the fine score.
Rob Corner, Director
Katisha - Carolyn Smith
Ko-Ko - John Maddison
Nanki-Poo - Colin Richmond
Peep-Bo - Alison Lawrence
Pish-Tush - Paul Mills
Pitti-Sing - Carrie-Anne Corner
Pooh-Bah - Luis Ogando
The Mikado - David Heard
Yum-Yum - Cheryl Mills
Clarinet - Sharon Cardwell
Conductor - Lisa Mills
Flute - Claire Husselbee
Keyboard - Chris Flint
Oboe - Christine Glenville
Percussion - Graham Sykes
Trumpet - Danny Ortiz, Graham Cardwell
Bar Staff - Alison Christie, Katie Solomon
Call Boy - Andrew Maddison
Call Girl - Rachel Maddison
Choreographer - Lisa Mills
Director - Rob Corner
Front of House - Tony Sutton
Lighting - Margaret Beedham, Mike Beedham
Make-up - Anthea Hinchliffe
Musical Director - Lisa Mills
Production Manager - Stuart Veitch
Prompt - Lisa Mills
Props - Lyndsey Kenyon
Set Construction - David Hinchliffe, Mike Cottee
Set Design - Celia Birch
Sound - Andy Onion
Stage Crew - David Hinchliffe & Connections
Stage Manager - Colin Cort
Wardrobe - Anthea Hinchliffe
If you took part in this show and have memories to share or don't have a profile, and would like one, we'd love you to contact us.
"A vibrant set... a talented orchestra and some fine singing by the Theatre Group's cast enriched this innovative production."
The Mikado
The Mikado was performed at Round Hill School in Beeston between Tuesday 26th October and Saturday 30th October 2004.
This was our first show after the destruction of the Duchess Theatre. We had moved to Round Hill Primary School in Beeston so the decision was made to put on a less complex and easier to manage show (because we were in a new environment - one that wasn't purpose built as a theatre - and the move away from Long Eaton would potentially affect our audience).
One of our members, Rob Corner, was brought in to Direct the show, after he had successfully Directed Brigadoon for another society. His first decision was to change the setting of the show.
For those of you who are not familiar with this show, it is by far the most famous of the Gilbert and Sullivan comic operas. It was first produced on the 14th March 1885 at the Savoy Theatre, London and later (6th July 1885) at the Museum, Chicago. Not without reason this one of the most popular of the long line of 'Savoy Operas', for Gilbert's text is a masterpiece of comic writing which Sullivan's ever tuneful music is perfectly adapted, serving in a remarkable manner to convey the amusing character of the words.
Originally written set in Japan during the latter part of the 19th century, the Japanese characters were nothing more than thinly veiled caricatures of ourselves. For BMTG's performance of The Mikado, the setting was adapted to the mid-western (Chicago) post prohibition (1935) America. Set in a nightclub, 'The Oriental', during the period the characters, although staying loyal to the original names, are now seen as Gangsters, Molls, Dancers and Nightclub patrons. Based on a crime family of the period the 'Godfather/boss of Bosses' - 'The Mikado', through his son a 'Cugine' - 'Nanki-Poo' to the 'three Maids' played by the dancers at the club, added additional weight to the original script, without detracting from the fine score.
Worries about the move from Long Eaton to Beeston were soon found to be unfounded as the show sold incredibly well, with superb reviews from audience and the press alike.
The Story of The Mikado
Opening on March 14th 1885, The Mikado, or Town Of Titipu, quickly established itself as the foremost example of musical theatre. Its initial run lasted a staggering 672 performances - unheard of in its day - and, at the end of 1885 an estimated 150 companies were producing the operetta across Europe and America.In a small number of productions, Gilbert used foreign locales in an attempt to soften the impact of his somewhat 'pointed' satire. However, as a reviewer noted following an early review of the operetta 'though nominally Japanese, the allusions in The Mikado are more or less thinly-veiled references to the native institutions and peculiarities of Great Britain'. This is a trend noted by many people in every G&S production and perhaps a contributory factor in the shows' endearment to the hearts of the audiences.
The story follows a short period in the life of a domineering Nanki-Poo, the son of The Mikado, who, in order to escape marriage to a lady, Katisha, flees his father's firm and masquerades as a travelling minstrel.
It is there that he falls in love with a beautiful showgirl, Yum-Yum, who is the ward of Koko, at that time a cheap tailor. However, Yum-Yum is betrothed to her ward and the young man leaves in despair.
The operetta starts one year later when Nanki-Poo returns to town to find only a small number of changes. The most important being that Ko-Ko has now been awarded the exultant rank of Lord High Executioner and his imminent marriage to Yum-Yum.
Meanwhile, the Mikado decrees that an execution is to take place and hands the task on to Koko, who is somewhat preoccupied in the planning of his forthcoming marriage.
Nanki-Poo approaches Koko and makes him aware of his intention to end his own life in desperation of Yum-Yum's unavailability. It is then that Koko comes up with his master plan.
Koko consents to the marriage of Nanki-Poo and Yum-Yum on the condition that Nanki-Poo be beheaded after one month. However, Koko proves to be too soft-hearted to carry out the execution and instead, with the help of two conspirators Poo-Bah and Pish-Tush, sign an affidavit stating the death of Nanki-Poo.
The Mikado, on seeing this, condemns the hapless three to death. Only the appearance of young Nanki-Poo can secure their safety...
This time last year I had no idea that I would be welcoming you tonight to this venue for a production of “The Mikado”. We were scheduled to be at The Duchess Theatre to perform “Jesus Christ Superstar”! However, due to the fire at The Duchess just two weeks after “Kismet” last year, here we are back at The Round Hill Primary School where we produced shows for many years before moving to the Co-op Arts Theatre in Nottingham and from there to The Duchess Theatre in Long Eaton. I’m happy to report that the re-building plans for The Duchess are, as I write, awaiting planning permission and should hopefully be passed by the time you read this. Work is due to start at any time now with a completion date for around November 2005. If all goes to plan, the new Duchess Theatre will be one of the finest theatres for amateur productions in the East Midlands and we will be proud to be one of the first companies to produce a show there. We have re-scheduled our calendar and will be producing “Jesus Christ Superstar” in late January 2006 and we will be taking bookings in early 2005.The show you are about to see is of course “The Mikado” by Gilbert and Sullivan. Originally set in Japan, we have moved it from Titipu to Chicago in the 1930s, set in a mobster run nightclub which lends itself well to the plot. I’m sure you will enjoy the music and the humour, written as only Gilbert and Sullivan can do it, but with little variations and BMTG additions to put it into context! It really is extremely funny and I’m certain that you will enjoy it. Rob Corner is making his début as Director for Beeston Musical Theatre Group whilst our Musical Director is Lisa Mills once again and we thank them both for all their hard work in producing this show.
Next year we shall not be producing a show in October because we will be rehearsing for “Jesus Christ Superstar”. However, we have plans for a good concert season for you in April/May where we have concentrated on Musicals written by English composers. The musical content is exciting, the music varying between vibrant, romantic and funny. We shall be doing two nights at Roundhill School so make sure you don’t miss out.
Our thanks must go to Headmaster, Randall Lewis, for allowing us the use of the school and to the Site Manager, Rick Johnson, for all his help over the last three or four months. I must also thank the Production Team, Stuart Veitch in charge, Andy Onion on Sound, Mike Beedham on Lighting and Celia Birch on Set Design, they have all worked so hard to ensure that the show is a success. Thank you all.
This year our President, Michael Wright, is celebrating his 50th year in amateur theatre, the vast majority with Beeston Operatic Society (now Beeston Musical Theatre Group) which he was instrumental in founding some 38 years ago. Our congratulations go to him with our thanks for all the time and dedication that he has given to our Society over the years.
Thank You for supporting us tonight. Please sit back and enjoy the Beeston Musical Theatre Group’s production of “The Mikado”.
Mike Cottee, Chairman
Photo Gallery
Hello and welcome to our latest production, The Mikado.This is my first show at the helm with BMTG and before I go into the notes for the show, I would just like to say a big thank you to everyone within BMTG for their support and encouragement over the last six months.
For those of you who are not familiar with this show, it is by far the most famous of the Gilbert and Sullivan comic operas. First produced 14th March 1885 at the Savoy Theatre, London and later (6th July 1885) at the Museum, Chicago.
Not without reason is this one of the most popular of the long line of “Savoy Operas”, for Gilbert’s text is a masterpiece of comic writing which Sullivan’s ever tuneful music is perfectly adapted, serving in a remarkable manner to convey the amusing character of the words.
Originally written set in Japan during the latter part of the 19th century, the Japanese characters were nothing more than thinly veiled caricatures of ourselves.
For BMTG’s performance of The Mikado, the setting has been adapted to the mid-western (Chicago) post prohibition (1935) America. Set in a nightclub, “The Oriental” during the period the characters although staying loyal to the original names are now seen as Gangsters, Molls, Dancers and Nightclub patrons. Based on a crime family of the period the “Godfather/boss of Bosses” – “The Mikado”, through his son a “Cugine” – “Nanki-Poo” to the “three Maids” played by the dancers at the club, add additional weight to the original script, without detracting from the fine score.
Rob Corner, Director
The Cast
Katisha - Carolyn SmithKo-Ko - John Maddison
Nanki-Poo - Colin Richmond
Peep-Bo - Alison Lawrence
Pish-Tush - Paul Mills
Pitti-Sing - Carrie-Anne Corner
Pooh-Bah - Luis Ogando
The Mikado - David Heard
Yum-Yum - Cheryl Mills
The Chorus
Anthea Hinchliffe, Carl Jackson, David Artiss, Dorothy Woodall, Edward Evans, Erica Coleman, James McGraw, Jane Cottee, Jane Hough, John Carley, Lisa Smith, Mark Marks, Michael Gillie, Mollie Harword, Oriel Dudson, Philippa Dean, Rachel Sunley, Roma Drinkwater, Ruth MaddisonThe Waitresses
Jennie Ashworth, Kathryn McAuley, Mina Machin, Val SuttonThe Orchestra
Bass - Jess WiddowsonClarinet - Sharon Cardwell
Conductor - Lisa Mills
Flute - Claire Husselbee
Keyboard - Chris Flint
Oboe - Christine Glenville
Percussion - Graham Sykes
Trumpet - Danny Ortiz, Graham Cardwell
The Production Team
Bar Manager - Nicola IrelandBar Staff - Alison Christie, Katie Solomon
Call Boy - Andrew Maddison
Call Girl - Rachel Maddison
Choreographer - Lisa Mills
Director - Rob Corner
Front of House - Tony Sutton
Lighting - Margaret Beedham, Mike Beedham
Make-up - Anthea Hinchliffe
Musical Director - Lisa Mills
Production Manager - Stuart Veitch
Prompt - Lisa Mills
Props - Lyndsey Kenyon
Set Construction - David Hinchliffe, Mike Cottee
Set Design - Celia Birch
Sound - Andy Onion
Stage Crew - David Hinchliffe & Connections
Stage Manager - Colin Cort
Wardrobe - Anthea Hinchliffe
If you took part in this show and have memories to share or don't have a profile, and would like one, we'd love you to contact us.
Show Trivia
The Ko-ko song "As Someday It May Happen" (a.k.a. "Little List") was re-written for this show by John Maddison (who also played Ko-ko). On all nights he sung 4 verses but if it went down particularly well with the audience he'd sing an extra verse. View the new song words - including a brand new 6th verse.Newspaper Clippings
What They Said
The Press...
"Wickedly satirical dialogue and lyrics.""A vibrant set... a talented orchestra and some fine singing by the Theatre Group's cast enriched this innovative production."
