Since its premiere in 1885, The Mikado has become one of the most-performed pieces of musical theatre in history.

As with many of Gilbert and Sullivan’s productions, the show satirizes aspects of Victorian Britain’s politics and aristocracy; in The Mikado, however, this is cleverly cloaked behind a charming story set not in Britain, but in exotic Japan.

A year before the action of this opera begins, Nanki-Poo, son of the Mikado of Japan, fled his father’s imperial court to escape marriage with elderly lady Katisha.

Disguised as a travelling musician, Nanki-Poo meets and falls in love with Yum-Yum, but there’s just one catch…she’s betrothed to Ko-Ko, the new Lord High Executioner. And Ko-Ko needs to find someone to execute, otherwise it’s his own neck on the block!

This complex satire is characterised by the clever wordplay, memorable tunes, and endearing characters that have allowed Gilbert and Sullivan’s popularity with audiences to endure for well over a century.

Music by Arthur Sullivan;
Lyrics by W.S. Gilbert.