Cape Town G&S, in collaboration with the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra, proudly presents The Mikado – In Concert, a jubilant anniversary staging of Gilbert and Sullivan’s most iconic comic opera. This strictly limited run will be staged at the Artscape Opera House from 25 to 27 July 2025, including a matinee performance on Sunday 27 July.
Premiering at London’s Savoy Theatre in March 1885, The Mikado quickly became a cultural phenomenon. With its satirical take on bureaucracy and British institutions, cleverly disguised in a fictional Japanese setting, the opera ran for an unprecedented 672 performances. Its popularity endured for generations, making The Mikado the most performed and widely loved of all the G&S operas.
This 140th anniversary concert staging honours that legacy with a bold, musically focused presentation. Inspired by the grandeur of the BBC Proms, the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra will perform live on stage, alongside the cast and chorus, offering audiences an immersive, symphonic concert experience in full view. The opera’s spoken dialogue has been omitted, with the story brought vividly to life by a trio of charismatic hosts who will guide the audience with witty narration, historical insights, and fascinating G&S trivia.
As if the music weren’t enough, fashion will also take centre stage. Our six leading ladies will grace the Artscape stage in original creations by top South African fashion designer Stephen Van Eeden. With over 17 years in the industry, Van Eeden is known for his exquisite red carpet gowns and bridal couture – worn by everyone from beauty queens to business leaders, including Natasha Joubert, Jo-Ann Strauss, Rolene Strauss, Demi-Leigh Tebow and Minki van der Westhuizen, among others.
Bringing this musical gem to life is a top-tier cast of local talent: Henco Hunter as the commanding Mikado, Wilhelm Lichtenberg as the lovesick Nanki-Poo, and Barend van der Westhuizen as the delightfully distressed Ko-Ko. They are joined by Stephan le Roux as Pooh-Bah, Daniel von Hoesslin as Pish-Tush, and Regina Malan as the formidable Katisha. The trio of schoolgirls is performed by Sian Atterbury (Yum-Yum), Kerryn Warren (Pitti-Sing) and TeNeale Maeker (Peep-Bo), bringing sparkle and vocal finesse to some of the show’s best-loved numbers. Narrating the evening with flair are hosts Nick Plummer, Melissa Sanderson, and Megan Armstrong-Davies, offering humour and heart throughout the performance.
Under the direction of Kyla Thorburn, with Alastair Cockburn as Musical Director and Barend van der Westhuizen as Chorus Master, this concert promises a musically rich, visually elegant, and thoroughly entertaining celebration of a theatrical masterpiece.
From iconic hits like A Wand’ring Minstrel I, Three Little Maids from School Are We, and I’ve Got a Little List, to lush choral harmonies and clever satire, The Mikado – In Concert is a feast for lovers of music, opera, and classic comedy.
Performance Dates: 25 – 27 July 2025 Venue: Artscape Opera House, Cape Town Tickets: From R200 to R295 via Webtickets
Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind tribute to Gilbert and Sullivan’s most beloved comic opera – a sparkling celebration 140 years in the making!