A regal dancing and singing affair by Lindley Church Amateur Operatic Society

Feb 11 2010 Huddersfield Daily Examiner

A regal dancing and singing affair by Lindley Church Amateur Operatic Society

Review

TITLE: The King And I by Lindley Church Amateur Operatic Society

VENUE: Lawrence Batley Theatre

By: William Marshall

THIS Rodgers and Hammerstein show has its fair share of easily hummable melodies, but it is deceptively complex – certainly in terms of its dramatic theme which is a collision between East and the imperialistic West in the mid 19th century – but also in its music.

Even the opening number, the mildly infuriating I Whistle A Happy Tune, takes on a dramatic twist when it is reprised at the bittersweet conclusion of the show. And there are several numbers in The King And I which are near operatic in their demands.

There were some wobbly musical moments on the first night, but generally speaking the demands of the singing score were met by the leading cast members of this production.

Indeed, in the title role of Anna, Helen Woodward achieves consistent excellence in her singing and acting. She holds the stage with ease and projects real strength of character.

As the King, Colin Harris almost matches her in acting terms – he displayed the monarch’s shifting personality very well and has a commanding presence – and he did well in his long vocal solo.

Among the other cast members who made a particular mark were Jane Birdsall as Lady Thiang, who had some taxing solos, and Christine Shoesmith, a captivating stage presence as Tuptim.

This is a production, however, in which the direction by Gil Wade and the choreography by Lynn Clarkson deserve special praise, especially for the manner in which the king’s children and ladies are deployed.

The strange but intriguing re-enactment of Uncle Tom’s Cabin by the children of the Siamese court, who interpret a Western drama using Oriental imagery and religious motifs, is done with brilliance.

The elegance of the young dancers as they simulate Eastern movements is most impressive and the whole tableau is highly atmospheric.

If the story of Anna and the King of Siam had been dealt with by a composer such as Puccini it would be regarded as a profound work.

But there is a fair amount of dramatic depth in this musical theatre version and the Lindley society do much to bring it to the surface.

The King and I continues at the Lawrence Batley Theatre until Saturday.