OPERA: THE MIKADO

Anthony Warlow reprises his role as Ko-Ko, the Lord High Executioner of Titipu, alongside a stellar cast in The Mikado this year’s Gilbert and Sullivan offering from Opera Australia. It’s not surprising that this operetta is the favourite in the Gilbert & Sullivan repertoire, with such memorable songs as A wandering minstrel I and Three Little Maids and, of course, The List Song, which traditionally is changed with each production to suit the mood and foibles of the times. The versatile Anthony Warlow’s Ko-Ko transforms the role of Lord High Executioner into a prancing, tumbling jester whose high jinx and infectious gaiety belie the dread import of his title. Taryn Fiebig, who gave us such a wonderful Eliza in My Fair Lady earlier this year, is a spirited and flirtatious Yum-Yum, while Kanen Breen carries off the role of Nanki-Poo with musical élan. Warwick Fyfe provided much hilarity in his part as Pooh-Bah, the Lord High of Everything Else, and Richard Alexander sung the Mikado in suitably stentorian tones. The stage was beautifully decorated á la Japonaise, while the male costumes combine the traditional and modern so well they could be Armani’s upcoming season’s bathrobes. Excitement and mischief abounded as conductor Brian Castle-Onions’ ponytail bobbed up and down in time with his baton while the audience tapped its collective foot.

Until Oct 31, Sydney Opera House, $93-250, 9318 8200 or opera-australia.org.au