Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Victoria proudly presents The Mikado – a riotously funny and beautifully sung comic opera that continues to charm audiences around the world with its unforgettable music, colourful characters and sparkling wit.
Premiering on 14 March 1885 at the Savoy Theatre in London, The Mikado; or, The Town of Titipu is one of the most celebrated comic operas by the legendary duo W.S. Gilbert (librettist) and Arthur Sullivan (composer).
The opera was an immediate success. It ran for 672 performances in its original production – one of the longest runs in musical theatre history at the time – and has remained a mainstay of the operatic and musical theatre repertoire ever since.
Set in the topsy-turvy town of Titipu, The Mikado tells the delightfully absurd tale of Nanki-Poo, a minstrel in love with Yum-Yum – who, unfortunately, is engaged to the comically inept Ko-Ko, the newly-appointed Lord High Executioner.
When the Mikado himself demands an execution to uphold imperial law, a madcap scheme is hatched. But just when things seem settled, the formidable Katisha arrives, bringing secrets, scandal and a twist no one saw coming.
Under the direction of Andrew McGrail, with musical direction John Ferguson, this production stars a brilliant cast of local talent, including: Cindy Liu (Yum-Yum), Katherine Stewart (Pitti-Sing), Hayley Jobson (Peep-Bo), Lynlee Williams (Katisha), Lachlan McIntyre (Nanki-Poo), John Parncutt (Ko-Ko), Peter Hanway (Pooh-Bah), Phil Elphinstone (The Mikado) and Nick Sharman (Pish-Tush).
Audiences will delight in musical favourites like A Wand’ring Minstrel I, Three Little Maids From School Are We, The Flowers That Bloom in the Spring, and the ever-popular I’ve Got a Little List (the better known title of As Someday it May Happen).
“The Mikado‘s setting is influenced by the Meiji period (1867-1912) during which Japan underwent a period of rapid transformation from a feudal society to an industrialized nation,” said director Andrew McGrail.
“So, while the stuffy English satirised by The Mikado were fascinated by the novelty of Japanese objects – with an exhibition in London running for two years (1885-6) – Japan looked to England (and other European countries) for examples of how a modern, powerful Japan should present itself to the world, including fashion.”
Whether you’re a seasoned G&S fan or discovering their genius for the first time, The Mikado offers an unmissable evening of melody, satire and theatrical flair.
The Mikado
Alexander Theatre – Monash University, 48 Exhibition Walk, Clayton
Season: 17 – 20 July 2025
Bookings: www.monash.edu
Queenscliff Town Hall, 50 Learmonth Street, Queenscliff
Performance: Saturday 26 July 2025
Bookings: www.trybooking.com
Stawell Town Hall, 63 Main Street, Stawell
Performance: Saturday 2 August 2025
Bookings: www.trybooking.com
Berninneit Theatre, 91-97 Thompson Avenue, Cowes
Performances: 9 – 10 August 2025
Bookings: www.trybooking.com
For more information, visit: www.gsov.org.au for details.
Images: Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Victoria presents The Mikado | Cindy Liu stars as Yum-Yum (supplied)