The Mikado at the English National Opera

The Mikado

Gilbert & Sullivan

Opens 26 February 2011 (9 performances)

Jonathan Miller's iconic production of Gilbert & Sullivan's The Mikado celebrates its 25th anniversary

ENO's joyous and iconic interpretation of The Mikado is revived in its 25th anniversary year, complete with high-kicking chorus lines, satirical touches and a wonderfully elegant score. Jonathan Miller's widely-acclaimed production of Gilbert & Sullivan's 'Japanese' satire takes the story out of the tiny oriental town of Titipu and sets it in the faintly seedy grandeur of a 1930s English hotel - the perfect place for lampooning targets much closer to home. The Mikado is the most performed of Gilbert & Sullivan's works. Written and first performed in 1886 Gilbert wrote in response to that, 'The Mikado of the opera was an imaginary monarch of a remote period and cannot by any exercise of ingenuity be taken to be a slap on an existing institution.' G.K. Chesterton, however, compared the satire of the opera to that in Jonathan Swift's Gulliver's Travels. 'Gilbert pursued and persecuted the evils of modern I doubt there is a single joke in the whole play that fits the Japanese. But all the jokes in the play fit the English.About England, Pooh-Bah is something more than a satire; he is the truth.' Jonathan Miller's career has covered a broad spectrum, as an author, lecturer, television producer and presenter, and as a theatre, opera and film director. He made his operatic directorial debut in 1974 with Cosi fan tutte for Kent Opera before going on to make his ENO debut with Le Nozze di Figaro in 1978. First staged at ENO in September 1986 and staring Eric Idle as Koko and Lesley Garrett as Yum-Yum, Miller's production of The Mikado has proven to be a timeless and much-loved interpretation of Gilbert & Sullivan's opera. Since its premiere 25 years ago The Mikado has been considered by many to be Miller's greatest musical staging as well as '.one of the most pleasing presentations of their work you could ever hope to see.' (The Observer). Peter Robinson first conducted The Mikado in the 1980s and returns to ENO for its 25th anniversary revival to conduct a stellar cast led by Alfie Boe, one of Britain's best loved tenors. Boe has appeared in numerous productions for the Company including Katya Kabanova, The Pearl Fishers and La bohème and makes his role debut as Nanki-Poo, the son of the Mikado of Japan. He is joined by Sophie Bevan, who after her celebrated performance as Polessena in David Alden's Radamisto earlier this year, makes her role debut as Yum-Yum. Mikado veterans Richard Stuart and Richard Angas return as Ko-Ko The Lord High Executioner of Titipu and The Mikado of Japan. The cast also includes William Robert Allenby as Pish-Tush, Claudia Huckle as Pitti-Sing and Anne Marie Owens as Katisha. Miller's iconic vision of a 1930's English, sea-side hotel was immaculately captured by the late, celebrated stage designer Stefanos Lazaridis, a frequent collaborator with ENO during the 1980s who sadly died earlier this year. The creative team includes costume designer Sue Blane, choreographer Antony van Laast and lighting designer Davy Cunningham.

The Mikado opens at the London Coliseum on 26 February for 9 performances - 26 February & 2, 5, 9, 10 March at 7.30pm and 5, 6, 10 March at 3pm.

A co-production with Houston Grand Opera and Los Angeles Opera.

Production supported by Dunard Fund.

Know the Show - The Mikado, Saturday 12 February: A unique opportunity for anyone passionate about singing to learn the choruses from Gilbert and Sullivan's most beloved opera The Mikado. Know the Show offers the chance to work with a professional choral director and members of the ENO chorus and is a great opportunity to improve your singing and explore operas from ENO's current Season. Available for ages 14 years and above but under 16's must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets cost £35 / £20 for concessions. Please email etattersfield@eno.org to register your interest and to receive notification when booking opens.

Join the Conversation Live, 2 March, 5.30pm - 6.30pm.

Opera Tots: Crèche facilities and musical fun available for pre-school children during the matinee performance on 5 March at 2.30pm.

Opera Stars: Childcare activities available for ages 7-12 during the evening performance on 5 March at 7pm.

Box Office: 0871 911 0200 or online www.eno.org

(Presse release/English National Opera)