Set in a mythical Japan, the story of this Gilbert and Sullivan comic opera unfolds around Ko-Ko, a cheap tailor who, having been pardoned from a death sentence and given the role of Lord High Executioner, must find someone to behead before the arrival of the Emperor Mikado.
In wanders Nanki-Poo (the Mikado's son in disguise), who has come to ask for the sweet maiden Yum-Yum to be his bride, thinking that his rival for her love, Ko-Ko, has been executed.
He is aghast when he discovers that Ko-Ko is alive and still betrothed to Yum-Yum and wants to end his life. But the clever Ko-Ko convinces him to strike a bargain - he will let Nanki-Poo marry Yum-Yum for one month, then let Ko-Ko behead him and then he, Ko-Ko, will marry Yum-Yum. All problems solved or so they think.
The story is full of laughs and songs, and this popular show was presented by the Wellington Gilbert and Sullivan Light Opera, directed by the talented Gillian Jerome. Musical director Hugh McMillian never misses a beat and the acoustics in the Opera House were uplifting, with the strong tenors and sweet sopranos. Wonderful stuff!
Orene Tiai, who plays Pooh-Bah, is a talented player with great stage presence, delivering a first rate performance, surpassed - only just - by the brilliant John Goddard who plays Ko-Ko.