Watch The Mikado

The Mikado is a 1987 adaptation of Gilbert and Sullivan's classic comic opera. The film stars Eric Idle (famous for his work in Monty Python) as Ko-Ko, the Lord High Executioner of the town of Titipu. Lesley Garrett plays Yum-Yum, a young maiden who catches Ko-Ko's eye, while Bonaventura Bottone plays Nanki-Poo, the son of the Mikado who is in love with Yum-Yum. The film was produced as a made-for-television movie for the BBC.

The story takes place in the fictional town of Titipu in Japan, where the hapless Ko-Ko occupies the office of Lord High Executioner. Unfortunately for Ko-Ko, the Mikado (the Japanese Emperor) has decreed that someone must be executed in Titipu within a month, or the town will be severely punished. Ko-Ko is tasked with carrying out this order, but he soon learns that the only person who is currently scheduled for execution is himself!

In an attempt to avoid his own execution, Ko-Ko comes up with a plan to marry Yum-Yum, thereby becoming too valuable to be executed. Unfortunately for him, Yum-Yum is already engaged to Nanki-Poo, who fled the royal court disguised as a wandering musician in order to escape a marriage to an older woman. Complicating matters further, Nanki-Poo is actually the Mikado's son, making his relationship with Yum-Yum all the more scandalous.

As the story unfolds, Ko-Ko and his friends engage in a series of hilariously convoluted schemes to resolve the situation and avoid execution. Along the way, there are numerous musical numbers, including the famous "Three Little Maids from School" and "Tit-Willow."

The film adaptation of The Mikado has received mixed reviews over the years. Some critics have praised the performances of the cast, particularly Lesley Garrett's rendition of Yum-Yum's songs. Others have criticized the film for its dated depictions of Japanese culture and its lack of sensitivity to issues of cultural appropriation.

Despite these criticisms, The Mikado remains a popular and enduring work of musical theatre, with productions continuing to be mounted around the world. The film adaptation starring Eric Idle, Lesley Garrett, and Bonaventura Bottone is a fun and quirky take on the classic story, and a must-see for fans of Gilbert and Sullivan.