The Mikado
Opera Della Luna Present
The Mikado
The Lowry, Wed 16 – Sat 19 January 2008
Press night: Wed 16 January 7pm
Gilbert and Sullivan’s classic The Mikado gets a vibrant update when it arrives at The Lowry in January with a production by the innovative Opera Della Luna, making their first visit to the venue.
Set in the zany, flashy world of modern fashion houses, with costumes inspired by Versace and Jean-Paul Gautier, The Mikado promises a riot of gorgeous and bizarre creations. The company’s inimitable brand of mad-cap humour brings to life this hilarious tale of love, marriage, executions and heroics. With a cast that includes Gilbert and Sullivan specialists Simon Butteriss as Ko-Ko and Ian Belsey as The Mikado.
Since its inception in 1994, Opera Della Luna has established itself as a highly original ensemble of extremely versatile singers and comedians. Led by artistic director Jeff Clarke, it takes its name from Haydn’s operatic setting of Goldoni’s farce Il Mondo Della Luna.
The company developed when a small ‘fun’ production of Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Pirates of Penzance, performed by an enthusiastic vicar and his parishioners and entitled The Parson’s Pirates, achieved something approaching cult status. They then went on to perform other Gilbert and Sullivan productions including The Ghosts of Ruddigore, The Mikado and HMS Pinafore.
Opera Della Luna have achieved a great following for their innovative and energetic productions, remaining faithful to the spirit and fun of Gilbert and Sullivan whilst bringing a modern and effective slant to the shows.
Jeff Clarke’s vivacious production is delightful. Mischievous and witty, and the outfits have all the razzle-dazzle of Versace’ - Financial Times
Posted on Thursday, 03 January 2008 under Press Theatre Press