Inspired by Gilbert and Sullivan’s Mikado, David H Bell and Rob Bowman’s jazzed up version, Hot Mikado fuses jazz, soul and swing to liven up a classic score for a modern audience. In the hands of WAWWA, the musical youth, this translates into an evening of sassy, infectious energy in a 1940’s Japan injected with a large dose of Americana.

All the comedy of the original remains intact as the familiar story of Nanki-Poo the son of the Mikado travels incognito to find his love Yum-Yum only to discover that she is betrothed to Ko-Ko, the Lord High Executioner who coincidentally has to execute somebody within the month to save the town from being reduced in rank to a village.

The toe-tapping score and inspired Lindy hopping choreography, courtesy of Victoria Bryant, Ben Hurley and Robin Watts suits this innovative company well, and this, coupled with Jay Coleman’s direction, makes for some outstanding individual performances.

Cory Jones (Ko-Ko) and Abigail Fiitgerald (Katisha) both command the stage in two demanding roles, and Corey’s camp, hilarious, and completely self-effacing Ko-Ko at odds with Abigail’s neurotic and controlled Katisha, eventually blend perfectly as they come together in a final duet, Beauty in the Bellow.

An Andrews Sisters take on Three Little Maids highlights excellent close harmonies from Emma Trott (Yum-Yum) Lauren Hodges (Peep Bo) and Hannah Ropper (Pitti Sing) whilst Chris Jenkins effortlessly swings his way through a laid-back performance of Nanki Poo.

Beth Jones is a quirky, alternative, tapping Mikado whilst the slapstick is energetically provided by Osian Griffiths as Poobah.

A feel-good, up-lifting evening of entertainment.

This production which runs until Saturday is dedicated to the memory of Natasha Harriet Scott-Falber and her family.