The King & I

TOPS on Stage have delivered another enjoyable show with this production.   All the Principals gave strong performances, Gary Weatherley reprised previous performances as the King of Siam with style and authority, putting his own stamp on the character.  Angela Phillips was delightful as Mrs Anna, giving the character plenty of ‘attitude’, displaying the feisty nature of the lady.

Emily Rose (Tup Tim) was excellent with a beautiful singing voice and a strong performance in this important role.  I must mention Matthew Purton (Lun The) and John Hunting (The Kralahome) the latter, particularly, bringing some nice touches of comedy to the role.   Dawn Peat (Lady Thiang) perfectly portrayed the part as the Head Wife and her joy at working with the children was obvious.

Which brings me nicely on to the children!  I saw Teejay Swain and Hayden Keeler-Stone in the roles of Louis and Prince Chulalonkorn respectively and very good they were.   Teejay had a couple of blanks but he remained professional, picked up the dialogue and carried on as though nothing had happened.  A mark of a good actor Teejay, well done.  Hayden maintained his accent throughout the show and his singing was excellent.   Both young men have a future in the business I am sure.

The other children were all absolutely delightful, well drilled and, where they did have lines to deliver, they spoke out and projected well, even without mics we heard every word, well done.   Having so many children on stage is a challenge but Director Ann Sullivan had obviously worked hard to make sure that they all knew where they were supposed to be.

The ensemble all gave good performances, bringing a strength to the singing and showing how important a good ensemble is to a production.

The costumes were beautiful, colourful and absolutely right for the period and location.   Mrs Anna’s ball gown was beautiful and the gasps, from the audience, as it was revealed showed that.  This is an expensive show to costume and, TOPS have surpassed themselves, the costumes were sumptuous.  The scenery was excellent; staging a show at this theatre, which does not have any flying facilities, presents challenges but the production team overcame those challenges and the changes were smooth and effective.

The band, under the direction of Alan Watts, was just right, supporting the performers without drowning them out.  The lighting and sound were spot on.   Overall an excellent production, well done TOPS.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.