The King and I

This is one of the most opulent of Rogers and Hammerstein musicals and BAOS didn’t disappoint with the attractive town hall auditorium enhanced by the set (hired from Scenery and Property Hire South Wales) creating the glittering Palace of Siam. The tentative Anna grew as the performance progressed and she had a gentle relationship with the adorable Louis. The Kralahome did not terrify but was suitably aloof and obnoxious as he welcomed the strangers to the kingdom. In this production the King was not attempting to re-enact the iconic film interpretation but created a thoughtful and calm Lord of all he surveys, the relationship with the children on their first entrance was quite touching and the scenes with his number 1 son were handled with care. Young Prince Chululonghorn given a few years will be a force to be reckoned with; he had a stage presence well beyond his years. The perfectly complementing couple of LunTha and Tuptim were enchanting, their duet was simply lovely. Undoubtedly (in my opinion) Small House of Uncle Thomas was the icing on the cake of this difficult production and the cast handled the choreography with style. Costumes were lovely (from Triple C) but a number of the ‘western’ gowns had hoop petticoats with lives of their own which spoilt the fun in the meeting of the English gentry as they swished about in all directions. Musically this production was a delight and congratulations to Tony and the orchestra but the music was a real highlight.

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