Gilbert & Sullivan’s operetta The Mikado bursts onto the Tabard Theatre stage this April, transporting audiences to post-war Britain, where privilege, power, and pompous authority are rife, and a love-struck minstrel is on the run.
Military chief The Mikado has decreed that executions are mandatory, but Lord High Executioner Ko-Ko avoids carrying them out. Enter Nanki-Poo, the Mikado’s son in disguise, desperate to marry Yum-Yum, who is unfortunately betrothed to Ko-Ko. When the Mikado demands an execution, Ko-Ko fakes one to save himself, roping in Pooh-Bah, a pompous bureaucrat, and Pish-Tush, a clueless toff. Meanwhile, the formidable Katisha arrives, determined to reclaim Nanki-Poo as her rightful fiancé. Mistaken identities, absurd laws, and comic deception abound – will there be a happy ending without a single execution?
Directed by Keith Strachan, with musical direction from Annemarie Lewis Thomas, this in-house production marks a welcome return of the Tabard’s long tradition of Gilbert and Sullivan operettas as part of the theatre’s 40th anniversary season.
The Tabard is delighted to welcome a hugely talented cast with experienced opera and musical theatre stars including Gerard Carey (Les Miserables, The Merry Widow, Half a Sixpence), David Freedman (Fiddler on the Roof, Aida, Jesus Christ Superstar) and John Griffiths (Oliver!, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang), alongside professional debuts from promising young talent including Tilly Goodwin as Yum-Yum, who graduates from the Royal Academy of Music during the run.
With a cast of 10, live music, and a 5-week run, join us for joy, jubilation, and a jolly good time!
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
