The King and I

The society presented a very charming production of this Rodgers and Hammerstein evergreen. This was a visually attractive and colourful show with so many good performances. I thought that the opening was excellent with a dragon leading a procession through the audience. Steve Low as the King gave an impressive and expressive performance, he dominated the stage throughout and he showed how powerful but ultimately vulnerable the King became. Samantha Grundy who played the school teacher Anna Leonowens took charge of her role from the start with a lovely mix of the delicate English Rose with a steely determination, every facet of her character was played with such ease and charm, and there was empathy between her and the King. ‘Getting to Know You’ with the Royal children was delightful, her diction and expressions were excellent. Tom Shepherd was a good Louis, giving a confident portrayal as did Toby Wright as Prince Chulalongkorn. The young lovers Tuptim and Lun Tha were played by Charlotte Payne and Ben Lewis, who both gave good interpretations of their roles, and I did enjoy their singing ‘We Kiss in the Shadow’, well done. Jean Malkin as Lady Thiang worked hard and was very convincing. All the Kings children were great, every last one of them, all keeping in character in their small cameo roles and very well done Tuptim, chorus and the Royal dancers for giving us a lovely ballet ‘The Small House of Uncle Thomas’. All the smaller, but important parts were all well executed. The sets looked wonderful and what good costumes, needless to say the orchestra under the baton of John Iveson was so very well balanced. The whole production I thought was excellent, so well done to everyone on stage, back stage and front of house. I was so very pleased to present NODA long service awards to a number of members, congratulations to you all. Thank you.

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