I fell in love with the "Hot Mikado" the very moment I heard the music. It swung straight into my heart, bubbling with such vibrancy, excitement and explosive energy, the mere concept and sizzling passion was pure inspiration. To me, it is a choreographer's dream. This dream became a reality when I choreographed the show the the Theatre Royal in Brighton 3 years ago. The work was extremely demanding and at time exhausting, but it proved to be an exhilarating journey and an experience that remains very special.

When I was approached by BHOS to direct the show, it brought a new, challenging dimension to an already addictive love affair. It was also an added bonus to have previously worked with the society as choreographer for Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, The Music Man, Guy's 'n' Dolls, Carousel, South Pacific, Annie Get Your Gun and Gilbert & Sullivan's traditional Mikado.

I vowed that when I did return I would more than enjoy exploiting their talents to the extreme. This ambition has been fulfiled! They are a smashing team full of enthusiasm, energy, commitment and good spirits, without which there could not be a Hot Mikado as these are the ingredients which are the very heart and soul of the show.

The score itself remains intact but the show has been entirely re-orchestrated. David H Bell and Rob Bowman have cleverly adapted this classical satire and relocated the period to the late 1930's and early 1940's. Transporting the action to downtown Titipu, they have highlighted the sensuous vitality of the American Jazz Era. So please relax, "chill out", and enjoy your journey through this timeless illusion.

Suzi Allan.