Coming soon to the Little Theatre
The King and I
This is the musical made internationally famous by Yul Brynner as the King of Siam with Deborah Kerr as Anna Leonowens - the governess to his many children by his many wives. Most people know the story of their fiery relationship and her attempts to civilise him and his efforts to do the best for his country and his family. This is the romance that gave birth to such classics as 'Getting to Know You', 'I Whistle a Happy Tune', 'Hello Young Lovers' and 'Shall We Dance?'.An introduction to the show, for potential players, will be held on Monday, 21 December 2009.
| Assistant Stage Manager | Catherine Tucker |
| Choreographer | Tina Eyers |
| Director | Richard Wright |
| Musical Director | Sheila Ross |
| Prompt | Sue Kerton |
| Stage Manager | David Papworth |
| Eliza | Ella Upham |
| George/Angel/Sun | Sarah Neale |
| Little Eva | Eleanor Allen |
| Little Topsy | Judi Neale |
| Simon of Legree | Nick Barlow |
| Uncle Thomas | Katy Biggs |
| Bass | Tony Scragg |
| Clarinet | Ian Calvert |
| Clarinet | Marie Tighe |
| Flute | Amie Pendarves |
| Keyboard | Gill Tucker |
| Keyboard | Sheila Ross |
| Percussion | Dave Collyer |
| Trumpet | Nick Barlow |
| Co-ordinator | Chris Spray |
| Staff | Sharon Carley |
| Staff | Sarah Briton |
| Staff | Jamie Symes |
| Staff | Mark Wall |
| Staff | Peter Beechey |
| Staff | Chris Salmon |
| Staff | Jenny Hailes |
| Staff | Mark Hutchinson |
| Staff | Peter Upham |
| Staff | Sue Jones |
| Staff | Jean Reeson |
| Hammerstein | Jessica Hughes |
| Hammerstein | Jessica Michelmore |
| Hammerstein | Bertie Handley |
| Hammerstein | Kieran Doyle |
| Hammerstein | Lucy Hobman |
| Hammerstein | Sophie Kerton |
| Hammerstein | Charlotte Clissold |
| Hammerstein | Jolyon Doyle |
| Hammerstein | Libby Mewes |
| Hammerstein | Georgina Clissold |
| Rodgers | Ben Lynch |
| Rodgers | Lucy Hobman |
| Rodgers | Sophie Kerton |
| Rodgers | Lucy Russell |
| Rodgers | Ben Wall |
| Rodgers | Libby Mewes |
| Rodgers | Megan Hamilton |
| Rodgers | Phoebe Lynch |
| Rodgers | Jessica Michelmore |
| Rodgers | Olivia Kerton |
| Marion Gobin | |
| Annie Ward | |
| Libby Mewes | |
| Ken Mahoney | |
| Gill Kerton | |
| Sarah Stott | |
| Jessica Michelmore | |
| Sophie Kerton | |
| Pauline Perrin | |
| Kim Fisher | |
| Sarah Neale | |
| Lucy Hobman |
| Deckhand/Townspeople | Ken Mahoney |
| Deckhand/Townspeople | Gill Kerton |
| Deckhand/Townspeople | Mark O'Callaghan |
| Deckhand/Townspeople | Tony Hathway |
| Nurses | Annette Papworth |
| Nurses | Anne Beechey |
| Priests | Alan Hooley |
| Priests | Mark O'Callaghan |
| Priests | Tony Hathway |
| Priests | Gordon Scott |
| Priests | Frank Edgeller |
| Priests | Chris Briton |
| Slaves and Amazons | Gill Kerton |
| Slaves and Amazons | Mark O'Callaghan |
| Slaves and Amazons | Mary Hayter |
| Slaves and Amazons | Vicky Orman |
| Slaves and Amazons | Alan Hooley |
| Wives of the King | Katy Biggs |
| Wives of the King | Michelle Lucas |
| Wives of the King | Judi Neale |
| Wives of the King | Pauline Perrin |
| Wives of the King | Annie Ward |
| Wives of the King | Sarah Stott |
| Wives of the King | Marion Gobin |
| Wives of the King | Eleanor Allen |
| Anna Leonowens | Kate Lynch |
| Captain Orton | Gordon Scott |
| Lady Thiang | Elspeth Salmon |
| Louis Leonowens | Toby Wall |
| Lun Tha | Nick Barlow |
| Phra Alack | Ken Mahoney |
| Prince 1 | Kieran Doyle |
| Prince 1 | Ben Lynch |
| Prince 2 | Ben Wall |
| Prince Chululongkorn | Mason Brook |
| Princess 1 | Lucy Russell |
| Princess 1 | Jessica Hughes |
| Princess 2 | Charlotte Clissold |
| Princess 2 | Phoebe Lynch |
| Princess Ying Yaowlak | Sophie Kerton |
| Sir Edward Ramsay | Frank Edgeller |
| The Interpreter | Chris Briton |
| The King | Gerald Eyers |
| The Kralahome | Nick Furze |
| Tuptim | Amy Higgins |
| Assistant | Lesley Ricketts |
| Assistant | Sarah Wiltshire |
| Assistant | Anne Scullard |
| Chief | Sharon Edmonds |
| Specialist Props | David Papworth |
| Specialist Props | Catherine Tucker |
| Officer | Emma Dance |
| Photography | Erik Casey |
| Poster Design | Katy Biggs |
| Programme Design | Sarah Kendall |
| Programme Design | Eleanor Milln |
| Construction Manager | David Papworth |
| Construction Team | Tony Hathway |
| Construction Team | Graham Brown |
| Construction Team | Charlie Watkins |
| Construction Team | Mike Quirk |
| Construction Team | Frank Bonetti |
| Construction Team | James Wiltshire |
| Construction Team | Roger Reeson |
| Construction Team | Peter Volk |
| Design | Catherine Tucker |
| Painting | Cheryl Evans |
| Painting | Vicky Orman |
| Painting | Ben Lynch |
| Painting | Catherine Tucker |
| Painting | Irish Marshall |
| Painting | Katy Biggs |
| Painting | Kate Lynch |
| Painting | Mark O'Callaghan |
| Painting | Sandra Lewis |
| Painting | Sarah Briton |
| Painting | Phoebe Lynch |
| Painting | Michelle Lucas |
| Painting | Annette Papworth |
| Assistant | Jo Turner |
| Assistant | Sarah Briton |
| Assistant | Kate Hathway |
| Assistant | Cherry Payne |
| Mistress | Sue Scott |
| Mon, 21-Dec-09 | 19:30 - 22:00 | Introduction | |
| Thu, 25-Mar-10 | 18:45 - 19:30 | Ticket Sales | (for Society Members and Patrons only) |
| Sat, 27-Mar-10 | 12:00 - 14:00 | Ticket Sales | |
| Mon, 29-Mar-10 | 19:00 - 21:00 | Ticket Sales | |
| Tue, 30-Mar-10 | 12:00 - 14:00 | Ticket Sales | |
| Wed, 31-Mar-10 | 19:00 - 21:00 | Ticket Sales | |
| Thu, 1-Apr-10 | 12:00 - 14:00 | Ticket Sales | |
| Fri, 2-Apr-10 | 19:00 - 21:00 | Ticket Sales | |
| Sat, 3-Apr-10 | 12:00 - 14:00 | Ticket Sales | |
| Tue, 6-Apr-10 | 12:00 - 14:00 | Ticket Sales | |
| Wed, 7-Apr-10 | 19:00 - 21:00 | Ticket Sales | |
| Thu, 8-Apr-10 | 12:00 - 14:00 | Ticket Sales | |
| Fri, 9-Apr-10 | 19:00 - 21:00 | Ticket Sales | |
| Sat, 10-Apr-10 | 12:00 - 14:00 | Ticket Sales | |
| Mon, 12-Apr-10 | 19:00 - 21:00 | Ticket Sales | |
| Tue, 13-Apr-10 | 12:00 - 14:00 | Ticket Sales | |
| Wed, 14-Apr-10 | 19:00 - 21:00 | Ticket Sales | |
| Thu, 15-Apr-10 | 12:00 - 14:00 | Ticket Sales | |
| Fri, 16-Apr-10 | 19:00 - 21:00 | Ticket Sales | |
| Sat, 17-Apr-10 | 12:00 - 14:00 | Ticket Sales | |
| Mon, 19-Apr-10 | 19:30 - 22:20 (doors open 18:45) | Show | |
| Tue, 20-Apr-10 | 19:30 - 22:20 (doors open 18:45) | Show | |
| Wed, 21-Apr-10 | 19:30 - 22:20 (doors open 18:45) | Show | |
| Thu, 22-Apr-10 | 19:30 - 22:20 (doors open 18:45) | Show | |
| Fri, 23-Apr-10 | 19:30 - 22:20 (doors open 18:45) | Show | |
| Sat, 24-Apr-10 | 15:00 - 17:50 (doors open 14:15) | Show | |
| Sat, 24-Apr-10 | 19:30 - 22:20 (doors open 18:45) | Show |
Review for Somerset Fellowship of Drama by Brian Saunders.
David Beach Trophy.
Wells Little Theatre
Wednesday 21st April 2010
“The King & I ”
This is a lovely intimate Theatre, full of atmosphere with a touch of wonderment when you see the size of the stage that the performers have to cope with the show we were about to see. I soon found out. Let us go back to the opening scene and remind ourselves, what happened,what did’nt happen and what could have happened.
I trust that the readers of this report will accept the following comments as constructive observations rather that criticisms.
Act 1.
The Musical Director (Shelia Ross) with her eight piece Band started the show by playing to an open stage underscoring the ensuing dialogue between Captain Orton (Gordon Scott) and Anna (Kate Lynch) and her son Louis (Toby Wall). Louis afraid of his new adventure, together with his mother,gave us the opening number of awareness. The off stage singing added nicely to the scene. The distant drums gave us a very suitable entry down the centre gangway of the auditorium to The Interpreter (Chris Briton), The Kralahome (Nick Furze) and his slaves. The comic business of greetings was well done and came over well. The Kralahome looked very English with his strong burly arms very much in evidence. A Kimino style of costume with sleeves have helped to cover the arms and the lack of body make-up( if he did have some on) was not deep enough, he was not the only one who appeared a such. The short English haircut did not work it required cap of suitable styling to help. However, this scene was played with lots of understanding of the situation regarding status etc. I felt that somehow Anna you could have been more aggressive in your attitude towards the king When you realized that you may not be getting the house you were promised.
Scene 2..“The Library of The Royal Palace”
“My Lord and Master”.. Tuptim. (Amy Higgins) was beautifully sung with lots of feeling. Set designer Catherine Tucker is to be congratulated on the stunning set designs as indeed the set construction team under the management of (David Papworth). These sets were of outstanding design and colour. I especially liked the screens and the large centre gong. Everything so right for the location and period. This made a great setting for the entrance of the wives and children who were all very precise and correct. The costumes by Molly Limpet of Sheffield, were excellent. The wives were nicely grouped around Lady Thiang (Elspeth Salmon) as Anna sings “ Hello Young Lovers” The lighting (Graham Brown) was soft and atmospheric, complimenting the scene. “The March of the Siamese Children” was a delight to behold, excellent costuming and the children made their own special entrances to perfection.
Scene 3..“Outside the Palace”
Prince Chululongkorn (Mason Brook) meeting his father and discussing the matters of his homework, had good pace and dialogue with a nice balance of the portrayal of their different characters. The King thinking that he is not sure of anything,gives us a very confident “Is Puzzlement”. The variations of your expalanations of puzzlement was well performed and I really felt for you in your dilemma. Well done.
Scene 4..“The School Room”
This was a great scene with lots of interaction between Lady Thiang, The Prince and Anna. The children also played their part especially in the song “We work and work” followed by “Getting to know you” with lots of movement and good groupings. The singing was strong and confident in all areas with the lighting once again complimenting the all round picture. The business with the King about the snow etc was comical and came over well with a definite contrast in moods when the subject of the house came up. Tuptim and Lun Tha (Nick Barlow) gave good performances with “We kiss in a Shadow” The lighting was very atmospheric and the orchestra’s underscoring was just right. Your voices blended well. The final embrace of the duet looked a little clumsy, all arms with Lun Tha standing behind Tuptim looked as if he was about to strangle her!!
Scene 5 “Anna’s Bedroom”
“ Shall I tell you what I think of you” Anna, you presented this with lots of feeling.Your ager at the King’s behaviour making your decision to leave, very apparent.Your movements during the number were explicit and supported your feeling of frustration.This was a good performance, thank you. Lady Thiang your song “Something Wonderful” was just that. The portrayal of your feelings and understanding of Anna’s plight was just right. A very nice performance.
Scene 6..“The Kings Library”
Lighting in this scene was effective. The business between the King and Anna was crisp, of good pace and timing,so essential in any form of comedy. The promise of Anna’s House at last came to fruition to the enjoyment of all concerned brought the Finale and Act 1 to a close.
ACT 2.
Scene 1..“The School Room”
Lots of entertaining business with a general hustle and bustle with everyone desperately trying their best to please Anna in preparation for the British vistitors. You all played your parts well and the comedic element was most entertaining.
Scene 2 “The gardens of the Palace”
Tuptim and Lun Tha have another secret assignation and plan to leave Siam that night. Once again your duet of “I Have Dreamed” came across with lots of feeling of love and excited that your dreams are coming true. This came over well but at the end of the duet I could not believe that you both held the same awkward pose with your arms etc as you did in the first duet. A much softer and affectionate embrace would have been better ie, face to face for example or stood with your head on his shoulder and his one arm around your waist perhaps?
Scene 3..“ A reception room at The palace”
I have seen many K & I Ballet’s but nothing coming any where near the standard of this one. Choreographer “Tina Eyers” is to be congratulated on what I can only describe as a Show Stopper. The movement, and groupings were exemplary. The pace never faltered from the very beginning. So important in a sequence as long as Uncle Thomas’s story. The singing, Orchestra, superb costumes, lighting and general integration from all concerned, was so cleverly balanced. Excellent and most enjoyable. Thank you all.
Scene 4..“The Same”
Sir Edward Ramsay (Frank Edgeller) is seen with the King and Anna discussing the evenings entertainment after which Sir Edward says his goodbyes ( a nice cameo characterisation) leaving the Anna and the King together. The following songs “Song of the King” and “Shall we Dance” were performed with the usual high standard which by now we were led to expect from such a dual. The dance is interupted by the Kralahome and Tuptim who throwing herself at Anna’s feet begs her not to let them beat her. All this drama ended with Anna stating that she will be leaving on the next boat.This scene was well conceived and the acting excellent,full of emotion and understanding of the whole situation.
Scene 5..“Anna’s Bedroom”
Anna is reading a letter from the King who says that his heart is of great concern and he is dying. You showed great concern here and immediately asks Lady Thiang to take you to him. This she does and bring us into …
Scene 6..“The Kings Study”
The King is found lying on his bed with all his entourage around him. Anna approaches the bed and kneels beside the King. The scene that followed was played with the full understanding of the story line. All very dramatic with everyone showing their feelings of sorrow at the Kings passing and accepting the commands of the new King “Prince Chululongkorn.
A very dramatic ending to a great show.