The Mikado 2019
Step into the grand lobby of a 1930s art-deco hotel where Gilbert and Sullivan's timeless operetta *The Mikado* receives a dazzling Marx Brothers-meets-Busby Berkeley makeover.
Director: Jonathan Miller
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Mikado (2019) about?
Set in a glamorous 1930s grand hotel, this revival of Gilbert and Sullivan's operetta follows the absurd misadventures of a tailor-turned-executioner, a lovesick nobleman, and a trio of cunning women whose romantic entanglements spin hilariously out of control. Think mistaken identities, bureaucratic blunders, and a dash of operatic romance, all wrapped in dazzling dance numbers.
Who directed The Mikado?
Jonathan Miller helmed this 2019 revival, bringing his signature flair for blending classic wit with bold, theatrical reinvention.
Who stars in The Mikado?
The cast features Richard Suart as Ko-Ko, Yvonne Howard, Mary Bevan, Robert Lloyd, Anthony Gregory, and Graeme Danby—each delivering standout performances that elevate the operetta's comic and musical brilliance.
Is The Mikado (2019) worth watching?
Absolutely, if you crave a fresh, visually stunning take on Gilbert and Sullivan's genius with a side of slapstick charm. The Marx Brothers-esque humor and Berkeley-style choreography make it a treat for fans of musical comedy, while operetta purists will appreciate the respectful yet playful reimagining.
How long is The Mikado?
The runtime is 137 minutes, offering a generous serving of Gilbert and Sullivan's wit and Sullivan's melodies.
About The Mikado (2019) — A 1930s Art-Deco Revival of Gilbert and Sullivan's Beloved Operetta
Step into the grand lobby of a 1930s art-deco hotel where Gilbert and Sullivan's timeless operetta *The Mikado* receives a dazzling Marx Brothers-meets-Busby Berkeley makeover. Jonathan Miller's 2019 revival transforms the classic satire into a visual feast, blending razor-sharp wit with high-energy dance sequences that cascade across the screen like champagne bubbles in a nightclub. The story unfolds in a world of mistaken identities and romantic mischief, where love triangles and bureaucratic absurdity collide against a backdrop of opulent art-deco glamour. Richard Suart leads the ensemble as the bumbling Ko-Ko, while Yvonne Howard and Mary Bevan bring radiant charm to their roles, anchoring the chaos with timeless operatic flair.
This isn't your grandmother's *Mikado*—it's a snappy, irreverent romp packed with slapstick humor and show-stopping choreography that would make the Marx Brothers nod in approval. The 1930s setting infuses every frame with the sleek sophistication of a Fred Astaire picture, where Gilbert's clever wordplay dances hand-in-hand with Sullivan's lush melodies. Whether you're a lifelong Gilbert and Sullivan devotee or a newcomer to operetta, Miller's vision delivers a fresh, exhilarating take that's as witty as it is visually stunning.