"MIKADO" JUBILEE

Radio Record, Volume VIII, Issue 43, 3 May 1935, Page 45

"MIKADO" JUBILEE

Universally Popular F a yote could be taken, with all the Gilbert. and Sullivan enthusiasts throughout the world as the electorate, to decide which of the’ operas was. the first favourite, there can, be little doubt that "The Mikado" would come out easily at the top of the poll, The story is one of the most delightfully absurd in the whole series, and the final solution of the awful difficulties in which the characters find themselves is so cunningly delayed until the very last moment, and. is then so mirth-provoking in its swift cutting of the Gordian Knot, that it never misses its effect of hearty laughter, no matter how often it is heard. The personages, too, are so happily contrasted, offering splendid seope for whimsical fun and for finely lyrical tunes, that Sulivan had one of his very best chances here. The music, even apart from the tale, is all delightful. whether it be the sentimental airs of the soprano or the. tenor, or the Lord High Dxecutioner’s whimsical songs, or the Mikado’s grim humour... — The ninth in the immortal series of comic operas, it came after "Princess Ida," which on its production failed to win the whole-hearted welcome which had been given to the others. It may be that the satire which is its basis was of too subtle an order to find fayouy with audiences which had learned. to

look for more obvious fun, However that may be, the immediate: success of "The. Mikado" more than atoned .for any lack of appreciation given 10 "Princess Ida," and the whole world. of music immediately hailed. the new york as the best which had yet appeared, The present radio revival at 1YA, 2YC, 38YA and 4X¥O on. Tuesday, May 7, is most appropriate, falling as it does within the jubilee year of its originai production. "The Mikado" started its long run of 672 nights on March 14, 1885, and has since been played more often and in more places than it would be at all easy to count. According to Gilbert. himself, ‘The Mikado" was suggested by the slipping, in his studio, of an old Japanese sword

to the floor. He picked it up, pondered over it, and thought of the Japanese village recently established at Knightsbridge as a living miniature’ of the Oriental homeland, With WKnightsbridge so nedr, Gilbert overlooked no opportunity for stage realism. The company of the Savoy was specially coached by Knightsbridge Japanese of both sexes in all the ‘intricacies of Nipponese deportment:" — : They were taught to walk with the mincing steps of tiny feet; they were initiated into the subtle language of the fan; the three little maids learned the hiss which translated. the English giggle. "The Mikado," true to the Savoy type, proved to be ‘Topsy-Turveydom tricked out in cherry blossoms and chrysanthemums.