Welcome to the 2007 production of The Mikado

Synopsis

Ko-Ko, a cheap tailor promoted to the rank of Lord High Executioner, is to marry his ward of court, Yum-Yum. To his consternation, he receives a letter from The Mikado of Japan, threatening that unless an execution takes place in Titipu immediately, the town will be reduced to the rank of a village and thus, advised by Pish-Tush, (a noble Lord) and Pooh Bah, (Lord High Everything Else), Ko-Ko sets about trying to find a suitable victim.

Meanwhile, Nanki-Poo, the son of The Mikado, has arrived in Titipu, disguised as a wandering minstrel. He is in love with Yum-Yum and has fled from his father’s court to escape the unwelcome attentions of Katisha, an elderly lady. He is heart broken to find that Yum-Yum is to marry Ko-Ko and so decides to kill himself, He is prevented from doing so by Ko-Ko who persuades him to have a proper execution in return for being allowed to marry Yum-Yum for one month. This would solve Ko-Ko’s predicament of having to carry out the Mikado’s instructions and would make Nanki-Poo and Yum-Yum happy for at least a month!!!

However, before the execution can be carried out, the Mikado arrives, accompanied by Katisha. Panic striken, Ko-Ko fakes a death certificate, but Katisha soon discovers that the name on it is that of Nanki-Poo. The Mikado is not pleased by this and Ko-Ko finds himself waiting for his own execution. Can Nanki-Poo and Yum-Yum be brought back from their honeymoon in time to save Ko-Ko or will someone else rush to his defence and obtain the Mikado’s pardon for all concerned?