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A big thank you to our sponsor for this year.......Motorpoint |
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Copyright © 2008 kpaos |
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With the ‘King & I’ Knighton Park Amateur Operatic Society have a production they can be proud of! The skills of production team Chris Tarry, Tony Rifugiato and Sarah Woodcock-Tarry are apparent in this slick and professional version of the famous Rogers and Hammerstein musical. Chris has skilfully simplified the staging to ensure a smoother running show and has rigorously rehearsed the cast to deliver every time, Tony has ensured the true emotion and pathos is brought out of the fabulous score and Sarah has cleverly worked with the whole company, playing on everyone’s strengths to produce a visually stunning ballet which is effective and captivating as well as visually stunning. Add to this superb costumes and a dedicated backstage team headed by Martyne Pennell and you have a recipe for success. Of course any production of the King and I would be lost without a strong King and KPAOS are lucky to have Ian Hamilton who simply shines in the role. He manages to convey not only the humour and charisma of the character but also the strength and vulnerability. Highlights of his performance are his marvellous rendition of ‘Puzzlement’ – such power. The raw anger and emotion in his penultimate scene and the extremely believable dying scene – which frankly is far more credible than the death scene of the rather more famous Mr Bryner in the film of the same name! A fine supporting cast is led by Sarah Woodcock-Tarry who delivers Lady Thiang with serene dignity and integrity – everything is aspect is oriental - from her lyrical speaking voice to her every gesture. Her rendition of ‘Something Wonderful’ is without doubt one of the musical highlights of the show. Karen Hamilton is simply perfect as Tuptim – not only does she look beautiful and convey the youthful innocence of Tuptim but her singing voice is a joy to hear. Both the duets are performed with skill and ease by Karen and her Lun Tar – credibly portrayed by Luke Baumber. Younger members of the cast belie their inexperience to give very polished performances – Sean Rafael shows great strength in his role as the young prince [ably understudied by Adam Ringrose] and Jevon Bates sings beautifully and looks angelic as Louis whilst William Gould plays the same role with clarity and a smile to die for! The other children are all amazingly consistent and professional in their performances and steal the audiences hearts from the moment they enter during ‘March of The Siamese Children’ and particularly during their dance in the school room scene. And Millie Roy-Tarry’s speech in the final scene brings a lump to the throats of all who hear it. In Peter Bennett the Kralahome comes to life – he manages to find the humour and the emotion in each situation ably abetted by his side-kick Doug Hewitt who must by now be an expert at being kicked around the stage! Bob Wright and Phil Moulsher are both well cast and very convincing in their cameo roles as the Captain and Sir Edward. No show would be complete without its company. Some may be of the opinion that there is little for the chorus to do in a show like King & I when compared to some of the more recent productions – however this would not be obvious from the way the KPAOS chorus approach their scenes – each performance is credible – from the genuinely funny wives in ‘Western People Fumy’ to the card playing sailors on the ship. The attendants are always there ready with their next scene or costume change and the whole company pulls together to deliver the magnificent ballet and procession. Everyone plays their part in the intricate ballet marvellously but it is worth singling out the principle dancers and in particular Beverly Woodward and Angela Hill who with their white faces and graceful movements give as authentic a portrayal as you will ever be likely to see! Oh yeah, and Mrs Anna was alright too! From an English schoolteacher abroad who has been privileged to be a part of something wonderful! Sarah Warnsby. |
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Photographer www.derekwalkerphoto.co.uk |
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