The Mikado dazzles audiences
Drama master Mrs Melanie Wheatley gives an account of this spectacular St Ives’ production of the Gilbert and Sullivan classic with a modern twist.
If you want to know who we are,
We are gentlemen of Japan:
On many a vase and jar –
On many a screen and fan.
– Sir WS Gilbert and Sir Arthur Sullivan
In August, St Ives Preparatory School brought Gilbert and Sullivan’s much-loved comic opera The Mikado to the stage in a colourful and imaginative production involving almost sixty boys across the cast, orchestra and backstage crew.
Pictured: The Guards
Pictured in header: Cast, Crew and Orchestra
Set in the fictional Japanese town of Titipu, The Mikado follows Ko-Ko, a former tailor unexpectedly elevated to the position of Lord High Executioner. Faced with the arrival of the Mikado and the requirement to perform an execution, Ko-Ko becomes entangled in the story of Nanki-Poo, a wandering minstrel in love with the beautiful Yum-Yum. What Ko-Ko does not know is that Nanki-Poo is actually the Mikado’s son, travelling in disguise after fleeing an unwanted marriage to the formidable Katisha. What follows is a wonderfully absurd tale of mistaken identities, romance and comic intrigue.
Pictured: Sankarshan Brown (Y5), Freddie Finn (Y5) and Oscar Symes (Y6)
Pictured: Victor Zhang (Y6)
Under the direction of Ms Tonya Grelis, this production reimagined the traditional setting with a distinctive contemporary vision. Anime illustration, gaming, cosplay, Japanese pop culture and the vibrant street fashion of Tokyo’s Harajuku district all influenced the production design, creating a spectacular visual world. Mr Brendan Collins arranged the orchestral music, bringing Gilbert and Sullivan’s celebrated score vividly to life.
Performed on Friday 14 and Saturday 15 August, the production followed months of rehearsals throughout Terms II and III. The boys worked tirelessly to master dialogue, choreography, music, movement and the many technical elements required to bring such an ambitious production together.
Their commitment was evident from the opening moments. The cast performed with confidence, energy and wonderful comic timing, supported superbly by the orchestra and backstage crew. Striking costumes, lighting and set design completed the spectacle, while the enthusiastic audience response across both performances reflected just how much the production was enjoyed.
Pictured: Will Thomson (Y6)
Pictured: Antoine Fontenay (Y6)
My sincere thanks go to Ms Tonya Grelis, Ms Jacqueline Fane, Mr Alasdair Vickers, Ms Shelley Moore, Mr Brendan Collins, Mr Murray Grelis and Ms Kat Negus, together with the entire production team and the many parents, teachers and staff who contributed their time and expertise.
Most importantly, congratulations to every boy who brought such enthusiasm, dedication and talent to The Mikado. It was a production of which they should all be immensely proud.
Sydney Grammar School
College Street, Darlinghurst
NSW 2010 Australia
Phone: (02) 9332 5800
Edgecliff Preparatory School
Alma Street, Paddington
NSW 2021 Australia
Phone: (02) 9366 0100
St Ives Preparatory School
Ayres Rd, St Ives
NSW 2075 Australia
Phone: (02) 8302 5200
