The Mikado 1992 Buxton

[@mattodonnell6584]

I love this performance! It's all great - but Fenton Gray (L.H.Executioner) in particular is just sublime. Thank you all!

[@antigonemerlin]

That title sequence at 1:55 is absolutely stunning. It feels like something you'd see in a classical painting or something. I hope whoever came up with that got a raise.

[@aristoclesathenaioi4939]

It is a wonderful summary overview of the costumes and drawing of the characters contemporaneous with the first performance of the Mikado.

[@TunersOpportunity]

I was in the chorus of this production 32 years ago! Marvellous production!

[@whazzat8015]

wow is Jill Pert wonderful My favorite Katisha the soul of this piece

[@dextersunset187]

This is absolutely my favorite version of The Mikado! It's the only one I ever watch!

[@dankurth4232]

Laurie Gregory You may try the Stratford Festival production 1982 posted on KZbin by claytonvyoung

[@MrSwifts31]

This is the greatest version I have ever seen,live,video and TV, (I have seen many in my 72 years) it's great all round;but mainly it's the excellent diction that I will remember.Some of the jokes ARE very old,but when the audience can hear them they can still work.

[@Andromedea25]

You are so right👍❤

[@FJMLAM]

I absolutely love this production. It's Brilliant. Fenton Grey is top class

[@johnlezy8603]

Always thought this was the best Mikado production ever!!!! What a pleasure!!!!

[@rodddrake]

Would you be interested in a Twitter watchalong ? Obviously we can't host our G&S friends this year

[@carmelpule6954]

Gilbert and Sullivan will live forever through their work lyrics and music, Beautiful and so witty and so harmonious in rhythm .

[@trionabyrne72]

1:28:19 Here's a how de do 🎶🎶🎶🎶

[@alexanderhay-whitton4993]

What on earth is "harmonious in rhythm"?

[@PLuMUK54]

This is my favourite production.

[@rodddrake]

Would you be interested in a Twitter watchalong ? Later in July ?

[@thrillhouse4151]

Nanki Poo sounds like all of Wales smashed into one beautiful voice

[@georgesoros6415]

My exact thoughts. Something about a Welsh tenor that is true to G&S. And this guy is perfect, in a cast of other great singers. The staging sucks, but that os what these directors require these days. It must be in a hospital waiting room or a train station. But if they sing this well, who cares? And he is MAGNIFICENT! Therefore, I hate him.

[@thehedgehogsdilemma9478]

Fofee Cool!👍

[@rattywoof5259]

He even looks like a young Bryn Terfel!

[@WiseChimpyApe]

Remember seeing it on tour when I was a lad. This really doesn't give it justice to how colourful and engaging it was. Probably the greatest production ever made of the subject. I'm sure it's been better sung but never better performed night after night. Pure British Operatic Panto!

[@TheDfarhie]

Magnificent performance.. best Mikado I've seen so far

[@johnbartash8473]

What a joy to watch. The smile never left my face.

[@gen1exe]

There's a lot to like in this production. It kept me entertained throughout and the talky parts between songs never dragged on. Nanki-poo is an amazing tenor, Poo-bah and Ko-ko are both great characters; I wasn't sure about Katisha dressed up with a hair-band wig and witch's claws, but she really was redeemed and sympathetic by the end.

[@Mooseman327]

This is so very well sung. Thanks for sharing.

[@Tocsin-Bang]

I love this production. I have seen many, and stage managed a couple. Some may be critical of the alternative lyrics in places, but remember each true performance will have references to the time in which is performed, and in years to come they may seem dated. A modern production would reference certain politicians and "celebrities".

[@loutimmons3099]

This was an interesting "take" on the show. But still, I think the Canadian's Stratford Festival production from 1982 cannot be beat. I prefer a "more traditional" production and the Canadians do not disappoint!

[@March22012]

Lou Timmons, I agree. They all have something unique to give but the Canadian one was outstanding.

[@josefeisinger103]

Excellent singing and staging, great stuff.

[@bettyottman1718]

The mikado was really tall like a half giant.

[@mrsbrownandhercat]

Surely the most wonderful production ever of this classic. The extra lyrics (lampooned in the List song) are difficult, but everything else is superb. Thanks for a full-length download.

[@津田頼子-j1l]

Thanks for uploading, Manson-san. I really enjoyed this Operetta, I am a Japanese though. All the singers and dancers were amazing. Especially Fenton Cray(Ko-Ko), Jill Pert(Katisha), and Janine Roebuck(Pitti-Sing) were excellent! I can't believe Janine Roebuck is deaf.

[@scottscott232]

Yes, Janine is absolutely amazing.

[@fisterklister]

This is the best opera by Gilbert O¨sullivan

[@JayBleu]

I first became charmed with the Mikado in the movie version with Kenny Baker. I reference all of the others from that. He was a much thinner looking minstrel! But this is probably my second fav..and best on stage.

[@marylloyd2342]

What a lovely surprise to find this. I have it on video, but no longer have a video player. Thank you for posting this.

[@georgesoros6415]

7:20 in, and that Nanki-poo is absolutely the greatest singer i have ever heard do the part. Bel Canto, indeed!!!

[@michaeljensen8457]

That’s my father

[@ashleyharris4869]

I grew up watching this production and I love it - every other production of it I see I compare it to this one - Pooh Bah's voice is just perfection

[@drakeardian629]

I think I owned a video tape of this very performance when I was a kid!

[@critter7052]

Bravo, excellent Gilbert & Sullivan "work" and performance/production. Thanks for posting!

[@mohammedjalloh7658]

This is my fav version of the mikado!

[@FJMLAM]

Best version ever. Everyone is so good, but Fenton grey just shines

[@alicestitelman616]

best fast Gilbert and Sullivan songs

[@jeffschecter4543]

this is a GREAT version... the characterizations are terrific. PooBah couldnt be better no matter what style of G&S you prefer. It obviously cost a fortune to mount. For those of you have limited tolerance (Im being generous) you must relax, smile, laugh enjoy. No matter what you think of this production..,.. Gibert $ Sullivan remain undiminished.JUST LISTEN TO THAT SCORE!!!

[@georgesoros6415]

Yes. Egos destroy G&S. Just sing the sings as they were written and and be faithful to the original atmosphere of the whole mess. This is a very happy production. Gilbert and Sullivan would have liked it. That much cannot be said of many of these productions.

[@mubro8822]

An absolutely brialnt (Sorry can't seem to be able to spell, must wipe sure) brilliant production. Give this as gift to grandchildren. The world is not all bad.

[@AustrianAdrian]

Very funny, great actors and singers!

[@linky0064]

It revolts me! But I do it.

[@rosencrantz3133]

I would like to see how the Mikado costume is put together. It looks larger than the exicutioner one.

[@uncleelroy6353]

Had a lot of fun with this one. I was Pish-Tush, high school drama class fun times.

[@nextweeknow]

Fenton Gray is by far the greatest Koko to ever live, and I'm including George Grossmith in that assessment

[@michaelmccarthy5583]

You saw Grossmith in 1885, then?

[@DavidS-iy8bb]

Brilliant.

[@webbophone3377]

Absolutely fantastic! :)

[@wolfmon42]

This is my favourite Poo-Bah. Amazing work!

[@marcusc9931]

Also... the emperor actually looks more dangerously insane when he doesn't laugh. Great work.

[@carloseduardomarinho176]

Vi uma parte dessa ópera no filme Chariots of Fire. Achei primorosa a interpretação das atrizes. A ópera é excelente.

[@StevenTorrey]

Delightful.

[@nicksum29]

OH, I HAD SUCH FUN!!! Thank you.

[@trionabyrne72]

49:37 I am so proud 🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶

[@michaelbauers8800]

I am not a fan of musicals, but I have long been interested in this one, because of the movie Foul Play. I watched this a bit, and found the music pretty good, and the production values excellent. I am getting the DVD of the 1930s film version from the library, and it will be interesting to compare it to this production. I hear the 30s version cut a lot of numbers ( it's on 90 minutes.)

[@rhallock423]

KoKo reminds me of Stan Laurel and Pish Tush Oliver Hardy.

[@mikerubb]

Hmm. How I miss the great Days.. Of Donald Adams... John Reed.. Kenneth Sandford Valerie Masterson Phillip Potter... The Fine sets.. The Rickett Costumes...

[@bahma810]

+mikerubb I agree. Miss John Reed Kenneth Sandford especially.

[@georgesoros6415]

Yet, a century and a half later, what I most miss is the exact wording of a true genius, Gilbert. Political correctness has taken too many liberties with his lyrics. Will the Beatles be remembered in 2115? Some achievement that anyone gives a shit about G&S, at this point in time, with signs they will be remembered way beyond. I'm sure, if awakened from their final beds to the worst rendition currently playing, they would be utterly amazed that anyone yet recalled them at all. May God bless them both unto eternity. And the D'Oyley Cartes, who made it all possible.

[@pega17pl]

I didn't know at operettas Mikado has second most performances worldwide and all time after the Merry Widow.

[@pega17pl]

+pega17pl After watching this great performance I know why.

[@jeeves1984]

it was me mom who got me into this, brings back so many memories, rip mom, still missing you and dad like. i like the executioner part so did me mom XD

[@dabedwards]

Fenton Grey is superb in this excellent production and much better than Eric Idle in the overrated Jonathan Miller ENO production. This production found a new way to make Gilbert's comedy work for a modern audience. With the Miller version, I felt they were "sending up" the material rather than working with it, and the result was flashy but rather charmless. Jonathan Miller's lack of empathy or respect for the opera was evident throughout.

[@pega17pl]

+Adrian Edwards Thank you for your comment. At Wikipedia (DE) London performance with Eric Idle with hint to Monthy Python's black humor is noted.

[@stepheneinbinder2604]

Magnificent costumes except for that of the Mikado himself. It was unnecessary to make him unnaturally tall (unless the actor was really a giant) and to paint his face white (unless the real Mikados of Japan actually did that).

[@trionabyrne72]

The mikado looks like a real life Half Giant.

[@estherbarba1409]

You should see the version in Catalan, with Ferran Rañé as Ko-Ko. It was really beautiful! And Yum-Yum had four sisters, 5 little maids was the total sum, no stint here, hahaha

[@estherbarba1409]

Also, Pep Molina was the sweetest Nanki Poo, and Teresa Vallicrosa the naughtiest, spiciest Yum-Yum.

[@estherbarba1409]

It was 1986

[@Kirkee7]

I am a keen fan of G&S even when it is performed on an amateur level, however it has been very hard to find such performances for the past 20 years. I am fed up with the same old second rate performers with average voices doing the same constant round of ; Oliver, Les Miserables, Annie , Guys and Dolls etc etc .

[@anthonyhenrysmith]

Well, since i was in the Mikado in my early years of High School as Go To (though the role had been deleted) then later as Nanki Poo at 22 years of age, it came to pass i recalled the 2nd Verse of Oh Living Eye was deleted by both productions. Only now with Jill Pert's rendition and immersion in the role of Katisha, does it appear how important the 2nd Verse of Oh Living Eye is to this character's plight. Given Mikado is long and this Verse is cut, and given i think lyric-wise it is a little clunky for Gilbert even, it is so important when interpreted with so much heartbreak as witnessed in this Production here!

[@stepheneinbinder2604]

I always appreciate long-lost verse restorations.

[@tinipover354]

Prachtige uitvoering.......

[@GRC205]

150 th Anniversary Celebration

[@ozsfi]

The "Grave-yard" dance was sooo funny!

[@naomimarker451]

All I'd ever seen of The Mikado was the Three Little Maids scene in Chariots of Fire.

[@charliewebster6345]

I wish I could find a download or a DVD of this, or even a VHS--preferably remastered. Any suggestions?

[@mrsbrownandhercat]

There is a VHS on sale but it's hard to find. It's not out on DVD but I made a DVD copy of the VHS for my own use of course, much more handy and portable.

[@dereknicholson4687]

mrs all white of sumiko youre looking well. love the white oak u got me.

[@justhuman5272]

Это самое лучшее исполнение Коко которое я видел

[@iloveittybittysfromhallmar1782]

Veggietales sumo of the opera!

[@xapaga1]

2:09 If you want to know who we are 1:34:39 Here comes the Mikado 1:36:00 From every kind of man obedience I expect 1:37:53 A more humane Mikado never did in Japan exist

[@bettyottman1718]

What about other songs from the mikado?

[@wendyinstone5083]

We saw a mikado the 28 June brill show like nanki poo wolvo grand theatre

[@luciacindy]

very nice...where has this been recorded and who are the singers ? thanks

[@stepheneinbinder2604]

I'm always amused by modernized G&S songs. But some of these modernized lyrics I find difficult to decipher. Can somebody please fill me in on these spots in the Mikado's solo: 1:38:54 All prosy dull society sinners whose chatter begins to pall (?) 1:40:24 The minister of health who calls for tax (?) and cheaper cures 1:40:41 The school cart (?) champion 1:40:46-48 Who waits all that chalk (?) is stupored in balk (?)

[@ghughesarch]

The minister of health who calls for cuts and cheaper cures

[@ghughesarch]

The snooker champion whose dress is passe in tight little waistcoat and trews, who wastes all that chalk, is snookered in baulk at any moment I choose.

[@marcusc9931]

That's my favourite Pubah

[@hannadeloe8004]

Does anyone know where to get a libretto or score of this that includes the 2nd part of katishas aria? This is the first time i've heard it!

[@jcannpunchandjudy]

If you love G&S you need to find a copy of 'The Complete Annotated Gilbert & Sullivan', compiled by Ian Bradley. In this tome you will find the lyrics you seek along with many other notes on all of the G & S shows, a mine of information.

[@TheDUBSpeedArts]

Who else came here from pthooie

[@aniluvswesties]

Those G’s the schoolgirls hit were good!

[@vgalea]

Great voice and acting talents, BUT, OMG those costumes??? What the heck is up with those hats?

[@Bfdidc]

Victor Galea Ha! Some interesting choices to be sure (some of the costuming is obviously based on modern Japanese outfits). Still, a good performance over all. Ko-Ko and Katisha are particularly fun to watch.

[@fbalter]

Victor Galea Could be taken as something from the period of Japanese westernization. Better than the 1939 version of Mikado at least.

[@hambor12]

Felipe Balter It's British satire veiled as a Japanese story. That's why it looks like a matrimony of British Victorian outfits with Japanese stylings.

[@agingerwithachainsaw]

+katamarocker2, agreed, British satire is almost world famous

[@hambor12]

+Hugh Child I meant as in a British piece about British satire with a really, really thin disguise of period-Japan, not as a Japanese work about British satire

[@gabykogut6462]

what's up with the weird lyric changes and additions to 'o living eye'?

[@philhaley9800]

I do realise that occasionally there needs to be updates to certain lyrics, but in my opinion this performance was spoiled by the aberration that became the 'Little List' the 'Kissing Duet' and worst of all 'The Mikado's Song'. These are staples, and since this was clearly re-written in 1992 for that year's tour, the 'modern content, is now dated and to many un-recallable.

[@mrsbrownandhercat]

@ Phil - I do so much agree. Even Katisha's lament is doctored, which is such a shame. But this is still the greatest production in the modern era and I doubt if it could be bettered. The contemporary political references will not be understood by anyone soon.

[@ariellibson]

Awsome. Just awsome. Now what happened to KoKo's voice? If you go to I've got a little list you can hear him strugling through the notes. But It's still great. One of the best of G&S. I didn't find this production as funny as others these days... Does it have anything to do with the fact that this show was 15 years ago? By the way if anyone wants Encore! ETC is doing The Mikado in Jerusalem around the end of December. It should be good.

[@cigarman35]

I think I've just found my 2nd favourite Mikado ever!! First place will always go to Jonathan Miller's ENO production unfortunately but this is a wonderful interpretation..

[@philhomes233]

Supurb.

[@Tocsin-Bang]

Far better than the overrated Eric Idle, Lesley Garrett farce. I'm actually a fan of Lesley, but I think she was misguided.

[@docastrov9013]

The List is painful.

[@critter7052]

God bless Gilbert & Sullivan!

[@Ardjano234]

who came for "I've got them on my list"?

[@ariellibson]

Minute 1:56:22 Nanki Poo forgets his lines...

[@marktully7755]

for me the only Nanki-poo is Bonaventura Bottone!

[@94Ryuma]

The British Offenbach !!! Sullivan is great ^^

[@joshsierakowski9553]

19:32. You know you want to.

[@pega17pl]

To German watchers: Wikipedia (DE) is full of mistakes. Please read English version: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Mikado

[@daisybtoes]

Don't get me wrong...I love Fenton Grey and most of the cast is in fine form. But a number of things about this production bother me. It just doesn't look right.

[@mohammedjalloh7658]

As of now!

[@rodddrake]

Jim. Would you be interested in contributing to a Twitter watchalong later this month ?

[@nicholas920us]

Having performed as Nanki Poo and Koko I can't help but love this operetta... but what is the deal with "Were You (I) Not To Koko Plighted"? I never knew there was an alternate version.

[@Driver2151]

Musically, it's excellent and entertaining to watch. Still, some of the unconventional business gets annoying. And what in blazes did the director think it accomplished by changing all the words to "Were you not to Ko-Ko plighted"?

[@nicholas920us]

Glad I'm not the only one who found it unsettling.

[@Soleilly813]

+Driver2151 The words were not changed, it is an original version however the abridged version (with Nanki-Poo beginning the duet) is normally the version that is sung.

[@joefinstoc]

+Soleilly813 So pleased someone else knew that!

[@Driver2151]

+John Edwards and Soleilly: I yield. Having checked Reginald Allen's "First Night Gilbert and Sullivan," I see that those *were* the original words. In fact, many of the songs had different words and were in a different order from the final form. G&S themselves changed it shortly thereafter to what we know, showing that they regarded the altered material to be best. So going back to my original point, the director must have thought it was clever and innovative to go back to what the creators themselves changed and does not sound "right" to us. Changing words today can sound annoying, whereas including songs that G&S dropped, as is sometimes done, may not be.

[@daisybtoes]

What the heck happened to Koko??? He just vanishes after Katisha chases him offstage, they she is wheeled back on a table. Where is he? Showing up for a curtain call isn't an snswer.

[@ASH103b]

If you look closely he is one of the two people wheeling her. He pulls down his mask and gives a big smile to the audience

[@garamagaram8824]

That's ridiculous !

[@ferdecla]

koko 20:30, 23:08, 50:07, 58:27, 1:43:12, 1:57:10, 2:06:33, 2:10:28, 2:15:33

[@Jexington80]

Two words - Foul Play.

[@bfdidc6604]

***** I thought I was the only one to remember that movie. "Beware of the dwarf!"

[@Jexington80]

LMFAO! Yep!!! I love that film and everytime I hear it I think of it.

[@drbahmasiva3635]

HAHAHAHA!!! Yes, Foul Play. Was whooping in the cinema when the record was played.

[@ariellibson]

Why? This is just another nice comic opera...

[@gabykogut6462]

i was enjoying this, but what the hell did they do to "were you not to koko plighted"?!?!?!?!?!

[@chookaschookas444]

Hmmm. Is this the current Doyly carte version? I missed the opportunity of seeing Mikado at the Savoy in 2000. If it was this version, I don't feel so deprived !

[@liamvnbw]

I hate how they portrayed the Mikado! It's so Ugly... I don't like these experimental, innovative things in theatre. I also don't like that they changed the lyrics of 'my object all sublime'. It's normaly my favourite song...

[@Azishome]

I think one must be British or come from a British commonwealth country to understand the politics of Titipu. Just as the London version of Oklahoma starring Hugh Grand flies flat to an American, I'm just don't understand a lot of the satire and farce. Sorry.