Declan Egan stars as Bertie Hugh in Sasha Regan’s All-Male The Mikado at Wilton’s Music Hall which follows her critically acclaimed all-male productions of ‘H.M.S. Pinafore’ and ‘The Pirates of Penzance’.
Regan’s idea to transform these much-loved classics into all-male productions stems from her own experience performing Gilbert and Sullivan at a single-sex school. Her shows are renowned for playing on the unique humour it creates.
Sasha Regan is returning to Wilton’s Music Hall – the only surviving Grand Music Hall in the world – with Gilbert and Sullivan’s irresistible The Mikado from Wednesday 7 June to Saturday 1 July.
You’re starring in Sasha Regan’s All-Male The Mikado, what can you tell us about the show?
It’s fabulous, camp and nostalgic! The show is a brilliant parody of British politics and institutions and still has so many parallels to today even though it was written over a hundred years ago.
Why do you think these all male versions of Gilbert and Sullivan have proved so popular?
I think people really connect with the idea of playing dress ups and taking on characters that you would usually never play. The casts are always so exceptionally talented. When you come and hear these men singing in their incredible soaring ‘soprano’ registers I think you become slightly enchanted by it and are left wanting more.
You’re playing Bertie Hugh, what excites you the most about the character?
Well for me I’ve never done anything like this before. An operetta is a very different style of show in-comparison to what I’ve done in the past like Jersey Boys or Book of Mormon. I’m really enjoying exploring a more legitimate vocal style and a period piece.
And what do you think will be the biggest challenge with this show?
For myself I think vocally the show is demanding and I’m just singing a tenor track which I normally would. I can’t imagine how the boys who are singing in soprano ranges are feeling but I can tell you right now, you’re gonna be blown away by their voices.
How have rehearsals been going?
Rehearsals have been an absolute blast! The cast are exceptional. Every day that we come in I’m consistently blown away by the sheer talent of the people I’m working with. It’s been a very creative room. Sasha is such a brilliant director and really gets the best out of everyone and encourages people to offer exciting, bold and hilarious choices.
What would you say to anyone thinking of booking to see All-Male The Mikado?
Come along for a hilarious, camp and new version of this classic show. You won’t be disappointed!
