Hot Mikado – was one simply hell-of-a show!
When the curtain came down on Thurles Musical Society’s week-long run of Hot Mikado in the Premier Hall last week, the overwhelming opinion was that this had been one-hell-of-a-show.
It was not just the nightly standing ovations which confirmed this feeling, rather it was the tremendous buzz and sense of happiness which prevailed as the cast and chorus concluded the show with their wonderfully energetic, raucous and rampaging version of Joy Reigns Everywhere. The energy just leaped off the truly magnificently colourful set and invaded the audience with a sense of euphoria and wonderment leaving them almost as breathless as those on stage.
Hot Mikado is a demanding show which requires brilliant acting on the part of the leads, superb singing, top class comic timing, and a chorus which can sing, dance and move in equal measure. Thurles Musical Society provided ample evidence in the past of their ability to pull off such a show, but it has to be said that their production surpassed all expectations. It was a truly wonderful exhibition of musical theatre at its best.
The transformation of the venue from the Premier Hall into Titti-Poo set the scene for a marvellous evening of entertainment. The moment patrons entered the doors of the famous old venue they were on a journey. But, as soon as the stage came into sight, they were transported and that flight of fancy continued long after they had left later in the evening with the songs still in the head and the beat still in the feet.
Thurles’ leads were simply amazing – Conor McNeilis as KoKo was outstanding with magnificent comedy, coupled with movement and song portraying a much-loved character in musical theatre. His interactions with the beautiful Yum-Yum (Marie Therese Kirby) and the ridiculously, scarily blood-thirsty Katisha (Linda Ryan) were hilarious. Between them they had some of the biggest musical numbers of the show and they were brilliantly executed – pardon the pun.
Then, we had the likes of Frank Tuohy as Poo-Bah – Lord High everything else; Mark O’Gorman as the wandering minstrel Nanki-Poo, and Ben Collins as the bumbling Pish Tush; not to mention the always excellent David McElgunn as The Mikado – a cross between a Goodfellas crime boss and an erratic cartel head with the white suit setting it all off. Mention would have to be made of his flying cane emerging from beneath the stage to be grasped in one fell swoop – brilliant.
Not to be outdone by the men, Denise King and Danielle Martin as the other two of the Three Little Maids were marvellous vocally and acting-wise as were the front line of tap dancers who really added to the show.
This musical is blessed with a show-stopping finale to both acts and in Thurles they really were show-stopping. The colourful costumes, coupled with the wonderful lighting arrangements and the introduction and disappearance of the bridge were like a sensory overload with every fabric of audience energy being invested to keep up with the pace.
Speaking of keeping pace – the orchestra – wow! Only seven members, hidden away high up on the stage rather than in their usual spot in the pit, led by Musical Director extraordinaire Mary Rose McNally, were outstanding. What a sound they created and what an upbeat buzz they helped provide.
Director Oliver Hurley has produced a series of magnificent shows in Thurles and Hot Mikado is certainly up there amongst the best – Thurles won Best Overall Show back in 2000 at the annual AIMS Awards with this show, and the 2025 version was every bit as good. Oliver’s vision and his ability to squeeze every last ounce of humour out of the script is quite remarkable. He is also an extremely affable guy who always presides over a happy company and is regarded as a great friend of Thurles Musical Society.
But, he couldn’t do it alone and standing by his side at all times was Dance Captain Siobhan King whose role in this show was telling. It was quite obvious that Thurles had put in long hours with choreography and dance, and Siobhan was the lady leading the line – take a long, well deserved bow Siobhan.
Completing the production team were Rita Loughnane as Stage Director and Anthony Kirby as Stage Manager. We almost take for granted the brilliance of these creative teams in Thurles Musical Society. Led by Anthony and Rita they continue to fascinate – it is no wonder that their talents are so widely sought by other like-minded societies.
A night out at a show is always looked forward to and following this production of Hot Mikado, you’d just be itching for the next production from Thurles Musical Society. More than 100 people collaborated to put this show on stage between all the many elements associated with musical theatre production – they all played their part in a memorable show which left everybody buzzing. What more could you want?
Well done to all concerned.