SALE Gilbert and Sullivan Society's return to Waterside Arts after a long break is celebrated with a production of Gilbert and Sullivan’s most popular show, The Mikado.

Set in the fictional Japanese town of Titipu, there is nothing Japanese about this panto-style comic work.

Despite its setting, the characters are quintessentially English and the show sets about cocking a snoop at the English establishment.

None is more British than Peter England’s Ko-Ko, the Lord High Executioner who describes his ‘little list’ with clarity. Adding 21ST century items to it such as remainers,brexiteers, Donald Trump and X-factor judges, makes it even funnier.

Peter England is responsible for much of the humour as is Valerie Green as Katisha who, in her programme picture, is pretty but is made up as an ugly old hag. The scene where Ko-Ko tries to woo her brings the house down.

Master of silliness, Nanki-Poo (Danny Shaw), fancies Helen Fieldsend’s Yum-Yum but draws the short straw when he is partnered with the aforementioned Katisha the ageing maiden who admits she is “an acquired taste”

I might add that Helen Fieldsend sings The Sun whose rays are all Ablaze beautifully.

Other popular songs, whether duets or five-part harmonies, are Brightly Dawns our Wedding Day, The Flowers that Bloom in the Spring and A More Humane Mikado with its reprise Let the Punishment Fit the Crime.

No production of Mikado would be complete without the ditty Three Little Girls from School, a credit to Janice Rendel as Pitti-Sing, Bea Schouton as Peep-Bo and Helen Fieldsend who plays the lead part of Yum-Yum with panache.

The deep, captivating voice of Tony Noden as Pooh-Bah is a joy to listen to.

And I should mention The Mikado himself, an accomplished Kern Brook.

* The Mikado finished on Saturday, October 22. Star rating: * * * *