The King and I

Experiencing a windy and rain lashed car journey from Sheffield to Bradford, I was really looking forward to, theatrically speaking, soaking in the sun of Siam. The King and I is a beautiful excursion into the rich splendours of the Far East, brought to life with a warm, romantic score. Apart from its long running time, the King and I is a beautiful and lovable musical play. I love this show. I was not disappointed. This production of The King and I performed by Buttershaw St. Paul's Amateur Operatic & Dramatic Society hit the spot.

Sometimes orchestral overtures are either over indulged by the musicians playing or subject to the odd strange note. Ian Sapiro was having none of that. He controlled his considerable  musicians, both in terms of tempo and volume. The Overture, March of the Siamese Children and the Act 2 Ballet were a delight to listen too. The part static set, with various additions as required, was both luscious yet simple, allowing as much space as possible for the Company.

I have seen productions where supporting roles are cast unwisely. Not so in this case. Captain Orton (Steve Jamieson), Kralahome (Phil Jowett) and Sir Edward Ramsey (Darren Smith) delivered their characters with confidence. The Royal Princes and Princesses were a delight to watch. Their first time entrance during the March of the Siamese Children was a great scene combining music and visuals. The diction from both Louis (Ben Burke) and Prince Chulalongkorn (Aidan McAndrew) was clear and both were easily heard. The transition from Prince to King in the final death bed scene was delivered well.

Lady Thiang (Helen Lever) owned the stage whenever she was on it. Fine voice that couldn't help but move you during the delivery of Something Wonderful. The young lovers Tuptin (Christa D'Apolito) and Lun Tha (Kristian Cleworth) were an interesting pairing. Christa looked the part and portrayed it well. Her vocal delivery was good but I sensed a lack of confidence when approaching the final sustained high notes. Kristian's makeup tended to make him look older than one might expect. However his vocal delivery in the duets We Kiss in a Shadow and I Have Dreamed really were good.

I will admit to not being a great fan of musical theatre ballet scenes, but this particular scene is such an intrinsic part of the play that I respect its necessity. Tuptim's excellent passionate narration, the choreographic skills of Cathryn Laban and the dancing ability of all the cast of The Small House of Uncle Thomas, ensured that I not only respected the scene but very much enjoyed the display and storyline.

Last but not least this brings me to The King (Chris Nutall) and Anna Leonowens (Clare Adams). Such focal parts to the storyline and a complex relationship. These parts must be every actor's ambition to play at some stage of their acting career.  The pairing was good. Anna delivered her lines with clear home counties diction, looked, acted and sang the part just as the audience would have wanted. The King is such a challenge to any actor. Audiences expect so much of the style and mannerisms of Yul Brynner, yet any self respecting actor wants to stamp his own character and style. I believe that Chris got it just about right. He was clearly well prepared, well rehearsed and delivered the part with a balance of the characters unintended humour and magisterial authority. His delivery of A Puzzlement - a musical number that requires considerable delivery and concentration worked really well. The audience were concentrating so much that you could have heard a pin dropped during the dialogue between The King, Anna and The Prince during the death scene. The scene worked. Good theatre. The costume department deserves many congratulations for ensuring that across all the cast, we were visually treated to costumes that completed the picture for the evening. It ensured that the whole company looked confident on stage. Congratulations to all the creative team of Kevin, Ian and Cathryn. Equal congratulations to everyone on stage, back stage and front of house.  

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