“I totally disagree with the comments of Jenna Richards regarding the production of the Hot Mikado. She obviously had no idea of the difference between The Mikado and The Hot Mikado otherwise her foolish remarks about Japanese fan dancing would not have been included in the article. The production unfortunately did have technical problems but this should not distract from the obvious enthusiasm of the whole cast which shone through their singing and dancing. The lead singers were marvellous and no-one could call Jo Button's voice average or flat and her rendition of 'The Sun and I' in Act 2 was absolutely superb.
It would not have hurt Jenna Richards to praise the many good aspects of the production and maybe voice constructive criticism instead of launching into petty criticisms.
Three of us who saw the production thought the whole show was marvellous, vibrant and totally entertaining. The reaction of the audience throughout the show with applause and cheers also echoed our feelings.”

“I saw the final performance last night and it was brilliant. Jo Button sang beautifully, as usual, and most definately did not sing out of key. The entire cast were excellent, and performed professionally despite a few mic problems.

All those involved with the production should be very proud - I will definately be back to see another show.”

“I was going to remain silent but the last comment from Margaret Hutchings has forced me to put hand to computer !!! For the record I am the director of the panto and of Hot MIkado. I just love it when all and sundry suddenly become experts on theatre sound control when they don't like what they are hearing. The only theatres that would get it totally right are the major London and regional theatres that have the budgets. An amateur production at the Palace Theatre Paignton isn't ever going to get it totally right due to budgetary restraints. The sound can seem quite different from various places in that theatre. Its different in Row G than it is in Row M for instance. Also Hot MIkado was essentially a Jazz show, and Jazz tends to be quite loud and also very highly scored. In order to play the music properly the band had to "go for it". As a result the singers radio mikes had to be turned up higher. At dress rehearsal I was concerned about sound levels and asked for them to be turned down, but that was virtually impossible without wrecking the overall feel of the show. As I was concerned I did spend the week asking people what they felt and most said they felt it was OK, yes a few felt it was too loud. However the reduce the volumes would have meant no-one would have heard the vocals. Having the mikes louder meant that at least everyone could hear but at times the vocals were distorted. We had to strike a balance. I would rather have a handfull of moans and load mikes, than low mikes and everyone saying they cant hear. Another additional issue is that the theatre possesses no orchestra pit. The band is therefore up almost level with the stage and that creates problems all the time as they simply cannot be sound controlled as they can at the Princess Theatre or if they were at the back of the stage (which was impossible for this production). To suggest that I should be replaced as director because of all that is a rather pointless remark by Margaret Hutchings and to suggest that much of the panto was in Hot MIkado is totally nonsensical. There were 3 principal cast members who were in both shows, but virtually none of the floor work was reproduced. Hot MIkado is a comedy and much of the direction required is of pantomime style. Perhaps that's what Margaret was angling at. I realise not everyone will enjoy my work as a director but the I get largely positive comments I must be something right if three societies in this area wish to use me to direct their shows. The panto particularly has been getting increasing audiences so Margaret must be in the minority. I do try to ensure that I am providing value for money and I do try to learn and improve. As to the remarks that we must accept the Herald Reviewers comments, yes she does have the right to say what she feels. It is one person's view point, and CONSTRUCTIVE criticism is always acceptable. However Jenna clearly had not done her homework on the show. She talked about Japanese fan-work being graceful and artistic, well we weren't trying to reproduce Japanese artwork here. The point was that the fans were merely a nod in the direction of the original Mikado, and were being used here as weapons, like flick knives. She didn't like the juxtaposition of styles - errrrr we presented the show exactly as in the west in with regards to costumes and styles. To suggest Jo Button sings out of key is a travesty. Jo is one if the best stage singers in Torbay. We happened to video the first night for our our achives and I listened to it last night in case I had missed anything there. Nope, she sang perfectly in key all night. Jenna is entitled to her opinion on singing and choreography so cant comment there but haven't heard any other moans about these. while the papers crits comments are only read by those Herald readers who are interseted in theatre, what it created for us was a tremendous repose from audiences at the final 3 performances where literally scores of them each”

“I agree with the HE critic. I saw Hot Mikado and left disappointed overall. Most of this production produced the Christmas pantomime which was also good in parts but in some pretty poor.

The sound quality in Hot Mikado and the panto were poor and volume levels were far too high in places making them painful performances to listen too. There were stretches of dialogue I simply could not hear clearly and my fellow theatre goers agreed. Just because a microphone and loudspeaker are supplied does not mean you have to turn them up so far.

Comments on the HE website from the production¿s supporters cannot cover up for a low point in the company¿s productions which over the years have been noteworthy. Perhaps there is a need for a change in director (and sound technician!).

On the point of criticism, those who produce a sub-standard show must live with it and take it constructively. You do a bad show this year then it should make you more enthusiastic about raising your game for next time.

Well done for trying this production TOADS Stage Musical Company's but I think it was a step too far with some complacency creeping in.”

“This review says more about the "reviewer" than the production.
"With the musical set in Japan I'd expected a sedate and sophisticated production" and "Songs,costumes and accents were 1940's American." Obviously she received the call and went off to review "The Mikado" not "Hot Mikado" so did not bother to read the preview in last weeks HE.
As for the "uneasy juxtaposition" perhaps she should take a look at the CD sleve of the professional London production.
This review is on a par with a previous HE contribution that castigated a local company for not having more actors in Willy Russell's monologue "Shirly Valentine"”

“I must start by saying yes there were some technical difficulties which can be slightly annoying but they carried on through like true professionals. It was a wonderful show and thought that Richard Bearne and Jo Button were both brilliant in acting and song. To critise something such as the American accents in a Japanese setting, shows that this 'journalist' was purely out to find the faults of this show and not the positive aspects. I completely agree with the past comments for the fact that this is not a West-end production but they did a fabulous job at doing what they love for our entertainment. A brilliant show.”

“I saw the show last night too, with my daughter and mother, and YES, there were problems with the sound which should have been ironed out by now. However, this is not the cast's fault - the technical crew need to get that sorted ASAP before the rest of the performances. The orchestra also need to adapt more to the needs of the singers as they were a little bit enthusiastic on some of the numbers!

On the positive side, the cast did their job, they WERE entertaining and were not flawed by the mic problems and carried on in a professional manner.

Most importantly, I was entertained, the show was well put together and this is Torbay not the West End. If the journalist expects perfection, then why doesn't she take a trip to London and pay extortionate prices.

I take my hat off to all the cast and congratulate on their performance last night despite all the technical hitches that they had to contend with.

Well done TOADS Stage Musicals!”

“I saw this show last night ad had a great evening.. if I had read this review I would not have gone .this leaves me to ask does this person what done the writing realise what a hard time the palace theatre is having or does she not read what other people write in her paper.And if she knew it would get better why bother with the downs.I must add please put this "journalist" on other jobs like county court or deaths where he talents will shine ?”

“Whilst this production has some problems, mainly an orchestra not realising that the audience are there to see a show not to hear them, it does warrent more than a 2 star assessment, and I would recommend that your reporter returns to Journalism 'school' to find out how to writre LOCAL news, this is not the West-end and nobody is kidding anyone, except in the ability of the reporter.”