The Rodgers and Hammerstein musical “The King And I” is as popular now as when it was launched nearly 30 years ago.
It’s based on the actual adventures of an English governess who taught the King of Siam’s 67 children, plus his numerous wives.
But it’s mainly a marvellous evening of good tunes, such as “Getting To Know You”, “Shall We Dance” and “Hello Young Lovers”. There is also a good supply of Gilbertian-style wit and paradox such as the ladies chorus, dressed in Western-style crinolines, singing: “To prove we are not savages, she has dressed us as barbarians.”
Walmsley Church AODS are playing to packed houses with it this week for their week’s run at the Egerton school hall. It’s a production which moves swiftly under the skilled direction of Audrey Raistrick and abounds in bright and colourful Eastern costumes and sets.
Rene Cave plays the governess and has most of the singing to do. She tells her pupils: “enunciate the beginning and the end of every word.” Miss Cave does just that and projects her music with charm.
The impulsive, intellectual King is memorably acted and sung by David Holmes and there are good performances from Dorothy Hilton (Lady Thiang), Joyce Foster (Tuptim), Gordon Eckersley (Prime Minister), Alistair Morrell (Louis) and Robin Jones (Prince).
One of the highlights of the evening is the presentation of the tale of Uncle Tom’s Cabin. It’s imaginatively choreographed by Wendy Duckworth and Simon is danced by Glenys Collinson.
Walmsley have mustered 24 children, aged from five upwards, for the Royal Children and their entry in the famous March had us all going “Ah”.
Musical direction is by Jessie Whittaker.
