I have enjoyed this version greatly since I saw it first some 15 years ago. Eric Idle makes a great Koko, bringing a Monty Python-dimension to it.
But there is one thing that puzzles me: I'm practically sure that I see Jeremy Brett, then famed as the definitive Sherlock Holmes, in the chorus.
Is this right?
No.
shareI just re-watched this, and if it's not Jeremy Brett in the chorus, it's his twin brother.
shareWell, but as you say, at the time Jeremy Brett was kind of busy elsewhere. The chorus of the English National Opera is a full-time professional ensemble of trained opera singers - I doubt that they would accept a guest. The operetta was in the company's repertoire for that season and would have had numerous performances, not to mention the prior rehearsals, costume fittings and such; wildly unlikely that Jeremy Brett could have spared the time, even if he had the musical ability. (I know he sang The Street Where You Live very nicely, but it's not quite the same thing.)
The Mikado is back yet again, btw, you could come and see it some time this winter, if you like. Thirteen performances between 20th November and 6th February next year. Richard Suart as Ko-Ko - not Eric Idle, alas, but he's very good.
Here's a thought - the chorus members are all wearing heavy make-up, very obvious in the close-ups - the Coliseum is vast, one of the biggest theatres in London, so everyone needs the full grease-paint job. Maybe that gentleman was amusing himself by making up to look like Sherlock Holmes! I see the chap you mean, and he's doing a good job of it, certainly.
http://www.sherlock-holmes.org.uk/share