About this item

This is a Thames Television production of a live performance by the English National Opera. 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! - From the cover notes.