The Mikado Directed by John Michael Phillips, 1987

The irrepressible Eric Idle (Monty Python’s Flying Circus) teams up with the English National Opera in this hilarious performance of Gilbert and Sullivan’s beloved comic opera, THE MIKADO.

This rollicking version of Gilbert and Sullivan’s most popular tale relocates the action from ancient Japan to a 1920s English seaside resort. Here the rule of the Mikado is absolute — and often prone to whimsy. Ko-Ko (Eric Idle) is sentenced to death for the crime of flirting, but in a strange turn of events is instead named “Lord High Executioner.” A delightful farce ensues as Ko-Ko can’t behead anyone without first cutting off his own head. But by the second act, the Mikado demands an execution and Ko-Ko must delicately sing and dance his way around a messy situation involving the Mikado’s son and his secret love Yum Yum.

One of the best loved gems in all of opera, this charming production of THE MIKADO adds a unique twist to the timeless music — especially with the madcap talent of Eric Idle in his opera debut!