The Mikado Tickets

First premiering at the Savoy Theatre in 1885, The Mikado is one of the finest works of comic opera. It deals with cruelty and death as trivial themes and is treated by Arthur Sullivan as lighthearted issues. The term mikado refers to ‘the honourable gate’ of the imperial palace of Japan, and metaphorically to the Emperor of Japan himself.

Jonathan Miller’s revival of the classic is as fresh as ever and guaranteed to entertain you throughout. Richard Suart's role as Ko-Ko has won critical acclaim over the years and continues to dazzle audiences. Miller’s production is significantly less about Japan than the original and is more on British eccentricity. The set design is over-the-top, exactly as intended by Sullivan when he composed the opera.

The delightful cast comes together very well with Miller’s charming production, and there is no doubt that you will be left guffawing in your seat more than once.

The Story

In the town of Titipu, a poor but handsome minstrel by the name of Nanki-Poo comes in search of his beloved, Yum-Yum, who is the ward of Ko-Ko. Ko-Ko was a prisoner condemned to death but was appointed to the post of Lord High Commander since the authorities reasoned that he could not cut off another man’s head without cutting his own (since Ko-Ko was scheduled to be the next prisoner to be decapitated). All the officials of the town, save for nobleman Pooh-Bah have resigned from their posts following the decision. Pooh-Bah tells Nanki-Poo that Ko-Ko is scheduled to marry Yum-Yum that very day.

Nanki-Poo meets Ko-Ko and tells him of his love for Yum-Yum. Ko-Ko ignores Nanki-Poo’s pleas and has him sent away. Nanki-Poo, however, manages to meet Yum-Yum and informs her that he is the heir of the Mikado, but travels in disguise to avoid Katisha, a lady from the Mikado’s court.

Will Ko-Ko be sent to the gallows as he was condemned to, or will he continue to rule as the High Commander? Will Nanki-Poo reunite with Yum-Yum and live with her happily ever after? What does the Mikado have in plan for the town of Titipu?

Good for

Fans of Opera | Lovers of Comic/Romance Operas