The Mikado is a hilarious and ever-popular show, packed full of classic Gilbert and Sullivan songs including Three Little Maids from School, the Lord High Executioner’s ‘Little List’ and Tit Willow.
The Emperor of Japan, the Mikado, likes to make the punishment fit the crime. Which is unfortunate for several of the characters in this classic Gilbert and Sullivan Operetta.

Ko-Ko, the Lord High Executioner of Titipu, is under sentence of death by beheading – but cannot behead himself – and the town faces relegation to the status of a village if there is no beheading soon.

The Mikado's son Nanki-Poo has refused to marry Katisha, an elderly lady in the court. He runs away, disguising himself as a second trombone in a music group where he falls in love with Yum-Yum, ward of The Lord High Executioner.

Yum-Yum returns Nanki-Poo’s love but his punishment for flirting with her is beheading, and besides, she is betrothed to her guardian the Lord High Executioner.

So, the scene is set for a tangled plot of deceit and betrayal, until it seems that just about everyone on stage is due to be beheaded at some point! Thankfully, all is resolved and the story ends happily ever after – almost!

The Mikado has gathered many stories in its long history as one of the most widely performed G&S operettas.

In 1907 the D'Oyly Carte company was obliged by the British government to suspend performances during a state visit by Japanese Imperial Prince Fushimi Sadanaru, for fear of causing offence. It is reported that the prince was disappointed not to see the show...

Rumour also has it that the translation of the one small part of Japanese in the operetta is extremely rude, which has been performed with gusto by many an unsuspecting Am Dram group across the country.

Members of Woodley Light Operatic Society are hoping not to offend too many people and promise to send audiences home humming Gilbert and Sullivan’s melodies with a smile on their face!