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
