Really Surprised!

Better Late Then Never

The movie really just wants to entertain people.

One of the worst ways to make a cult movie is to set out to make a cult movie.

I am a big Gilbert and Sullivan fan, and this Mikado is not just the best Mikado but also one of the better G&S productions I've seen. The only problem I had was some slightly fuzzy sound quality, other than that it was delightful and very inventive.The camera work and visual effects are well above average, the sets are wonderfully exotic and the costumes are truly lovely. The music is outstanding, with droll lyrics and often beautiful melodies. The story is standard but very charming, and the dialogue is always delightful, witty and quite subtle sometimes too.As for the choreography, one of the best assets about this Mikado. The Busby Berkeley-like tap dancing is simply splendid and a hoot. There is also some stylish orchestral playing and rock-solid conducting.The Mikado(1987) is blessed by all-round great performances. Eric Idle is a hilarious Ko-Ko and Bonaventure Botone is one of the more convincing Nanki-Poos I've seen, he is very likable. Lesley Garrett as Yum Yum sings beautifully, Mark Richardson is a vocally rich Pish-Tush and Richard Angas is a very imposing and quite seedy Mikado complete with an amazing costume. My favourite performances are Felicity Palmer as Katisha, she sings and acts with humour, nastiness and pathos, and Richard Van Allen as Pooh-Bah, in perhaps the best interpretation on VHS/DVD.All in all, the best Mikado thus far though I am re-watching the Stratford version as soon as possible. 9/10 Bethany Cox

I really enjoy this particular production of "The Mikado." The producers added a few touches throughout to make it more amusing for modern audiences -- for instance, "As Some Day It May Happen" (the "little list" song) is completely updated, and a few lines are ad-libbed throughout the play. Liberties were also taken with the setting. The costumes are not Japanese, but rather 1920s English (although some of the "Tittipudlian" girls wear '20s-inspired kimonos). This production is well-choreographed with some 1920s dance styles, and there are some extra dancing maids and bellhops to keep your eyes (as well as ears) entertained during the songs. If you're a Gilbert & Sullivan purist these changes may bother you, but I think they're fine -- and I love the costumes! Felicity Palmer (Katisha) is absolutely hilarious; all of her scenes make me laugh out loud (one of my favorite add-ons is when she first makes an entrance -- the dancing bellhops annoy her with their antics, so she screeches at the top of her voice, "STOP IT!!!"). All of the other main characters do a fine job as well. I particularly like Mark Richardson as Pish-Tush (that toupee!) and Lesley Garrett as Yum-Yum.You must keep in mind that this is a stage production being filmed and set your expectations accordingly. There is no change of setting, although the filmmakers used some 1930s film techniques to add interest. If there is one draw-back to this production, it is that the stage makeup wasn't modified for close-up shots with a camera. Foundation lines are often visible and there seems to be a surplus of eyeliner, lipstick, and blush everywhere. I've seen this sort of thing happen before with films of plays, and it's a little jarring at first. However, I hope you'll get used to it and enjoy "The Mikado" for what it's worth -- a thoroughly enjoyable rendition of a classic!

This is a fine Mikado with modern attire instead of the Japanese.Eric Idle hams it up and is rather good.But, personally, I much prefer the 1982 version seen on television which has a stellar singing cast with the Ambrosian Opera Chorus and the London Symphony Orchestra led by Alexander Faris. The costumes appear to be authentic and set the mood for this great satire.You will enjoy the Eric Idle production very much.

If you want to see a brilliant performance of Mikado, played to perfection with expert timing and panache, don't watch this version. If you want to see a hammy version with Eric Idle strutting around in 1930's english gentlemen's private club society, this is the one to watch. It's a lot of fun and a good intro to Gilbert and Sullivan, but after this, rush out and rent the Canadian Stratford version. You'll see the difference between good and great. Nobody does G&S better than Brian McDonald and the Stratford group.