to write a libretto set in exotic Japan. Sullivan likes the idea and agrees to compose the music for it. Gilbert, Sullivan and Carte work to make The Mikado a success, and many glimpses of rehearsals and stressful backstage preparations for the show follow: Cast members lunch together before attempting to negotiate their salaries. Gilbert brings in Japanese girls from the exhibition to teach the ladies' chorus how to walk and use fans in the Japanese manner. The principal cast react to the fittings of their costumes designed by C. Wilhelm. The cast objects to Gilbert's proposed cut of the title character's Act Two solo, "A more humane Mikado," persuading the playwright to restore it. The actors face first-night jitters in their dressing rooms. Finally The Mikado is ready to open. As is usual for him, Gilbert is too nervous to watch the opening performance and paces the streets of London. Returning to the theatre, he finds that the new opera is a resounding success. Cast Jim Broadbent as W. S. Gilbert Allan Corduner as Sir Arthur Sullivan Lesley Manville as Lucy "Kitty" Gilbert, Gilbert's wife Ron Cook as Richard D'Oyly Carte, owner of the Savoy Theatre Eleanor David as the American socialite Fanny Ronalds, Sullivan's mistress Wendy Nottingham as Helen Lenoir, Carte's indispensable business manager Timothy Spall as Richard Temple, who plays the Mikado Vincent Franklin as Rutland Barrington, who plays Pooh-Bah Martin Savage as George Grossmith, who plays Ko-Ko Dexter Fletcher as Louis, Sullivan's valet Dorothy Atkinson as Jessie Bond, who plays Pitti-Sing Shirley Henderson as Leonora Braham, who plays Yum-Yum Kevin McKidd as Durward Lely, who plays Nanki-Poo Louise Gold as Rosina Brandram, who plays Katisha Cathy Sara as Sybil Grey, who plays Peep-Bo Michael Simkins as Frederick Bovill, who plays Pish-Tush Andy Serkis as John D'Auban, choreographer Nicholas Woodeson as Mr. Seymour Naoko Mori as Miss "Sixpence Please", a tea seller at the Japanese Village, Knightsbridge Sukie Smith as Clothilde, Sullivan's maid Kenneth Hadley as Mr. Pidgeon, Gilbert's butler Kate Doherty as Mrs. Judd, Gilbert's house-keeper and cook Keeley Gainey as Gilbert's maid Charles Simon as Mr. William Gilbert, Gilbert's father Theresa Watson as Maude Gilbert, Gilbert's youngest sister Lavinia Bertram as Florence Gilbert, Gilbert's middle sister Eve Pierce as Mrs. Anne Gilbert, Gilbert's mother Ashley Jensen as Miss Tringham, a member of the chorus Mark Benton as Mr. Price, a member of the chorus Steve