The Magnificent Mikado

The Gisborne Amateur Operatic Society's 80th anniversary production is to be Gilbert and Sullivan's "The Mikado". Gorgeous (in the true meaning of the word) costumes, a strong cast and the right scenery will make this one of the best productions ever staged by the society. "The Mikado" was first staged by the society in 1896 but the Gilbert and Sullivan comic operas are timeless and can be enjoyed by young people as well as adults. Songs from the show are evergreen and include "Three Little Maids From School", "The Flowers That Bloom In The Spring", "Tit Willow" and "A Wandering Minstrel I". The show is to play in the War Memorial Hall from June 24 to July 1.

Stan Vincent in the title role.

The wandering minstrel Nanki Poo as played by Alan Paterson.

John Speakman as Ko Ko, The Lord High Executioner. He provides much of the light relief and is pictured here with his symbol of office.

With Leaone Small as Katisha, Ko Ko finds himself in trouble.

Ko Ko and his list.

John Speakman, with Derek Allan whose fine bass voice is heard to advantage in the role of Pooh Bah.

Don Ramsay (centre) plays Pish Tush. He is pictured with the noble lords who are, from left, George Rawlings, Terry Wood, Chris Milton, Les Everett, Peter Corn, Kingi Albert, Gareth Hannah, David Florance and Lee Pascoe.

Pitti Sing (centre) with Yum Yum (left) and Peep Bo. They are surrounded by the ladies of the court. From left: Sandra Lynskey, Gay Parkes, Eileen Rawlings, Robina Rangi, Ethel Jackson, Jay Bullivant, Juanne Mossman, Betty Dickinson, Sylvia Groves, Veronica Walker, Jenny Pascoe, Gay McFeteridge, Janet Roderick and Judith Hickman.

Three Little Maids From School. From left: Yum Yum (Carolyn Albert), Pitti Sing (Barbara Pevreal), and Peep Bo (Elizabeth Hardy).

Alan Patterson and Barbara Pevreal wear beautiful white costumes for their wedding morn scene.

Pleading for mercy are Ko Ko, Peep Bo and Pooh Bah. Attending the Mikado and Katisha are, from left, David Florance, Lee Pascoe and Gareth Hannah.

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The Gisborne Photo News

No 216 : June 14, 1972

The Magnificent Mikado