The King and I

The King and I - Mitchell Theatre, 27 - 31 October, 1998 We were happy to present The King and I as our 1998 production. With the addition of 26 junior members playing the royal children the cast set a new ticket selling record - the show was a complete sell out! The show was particularly acclaimed for its lush scenery, its dramatic direction and the very well presented ballet sequence. This year was also significant for the club as we recruited a large number of members to our adult cast - some of whom remain as members today! Theatre Guild presented the Glasgow Amateur Premier of The King and I back in 1961. THE STORY Mrs. Anna Leonowens journeys to Siam with her son Louis to take up the position of Governess and Tutor to the King's many children. They are met by the Kralahome, the King's senior advisor and Anna insists that the King's promise of a separate house is kept. Some weeks later the King recieves Lun Tha, an emmissary from Burma, who has brought him a gift of a girl, Tuptim. On their journey Lun Tha and Tuptim have fallen in love. Anna is introduced to the King who makes it clear that Anna will do his bidding, living in the palace and teaching his wives and children. Anna is determined to leave but is enchanted by the children and remains. Anna's western teachings soon revolutionise Palace thinking. Despite the King's initial brusqueness he is willing to learn. He is keen that his heir, Prince Chululongkorn is ready to govern. However, his own traditional views about women come to the fore when he tells Anna she is his servant. She decides to leave before she becomes too attached to the children. The Kralahome and Lady Thiang, the King's head wife, conspire to bring the King and Anna back together again, principally for political gain as the British Ambassador, Sir Edward Ramsay, is on his way. The King and Anna agree to present Tuptim's play to the guests and he finally concedes Anna the house she desires. Lun Tha and Tuptim decide to elope after the play but Tuptim is captured and Lun Tha is found dead. Anna defies the King who finds himself unable to flog Tuptim, but this demonstration of tradition is too much for Anna and she again resolves to leave. Some months later as Anna prepares to board a ship Lady Thiang brings a letter from the King, who is now dying, and Anna arrives in time to effect a reconcilliation. She also witnesses the effect her teachings have had on Chululonkorn, the new King. The King dies and Anna, kneeling beside him, takes his lifeless hand and kisses it. The timeless score includes "I Whistle A Happy Tune", "Hello Young Lovers", "Getting To Know You", "Something Wonderful" and "Shall We Dance".

Cast List

The cast of our 1998 production of The King and I(in order of appearance) was as follows:

Captain Orton Louis Leonowens 1 Louis Leonowens 2 Anna Leonowens Interpreter The Kralahome The King Phra Alack Lun Tha Tuptim Lady Thiang Prince Chululongkorn 1 Prince Chululongkorn 2 Princess Ying Yaowlack 1 Princess Ying Yaowlack 2 Sir Edward Ramsay	Les Hooper Andrew Shearer Christopher Maclean Suzanne Lowe Cameron Lowe Wilson Paterson David Brown Craig Lundie Alan Orr Heather Dalrymple Moira McLeod Derek Martin Mathew Hall Emma Knox Elise Mulford Peter Blair

Production Team

The production team of our 1998 production of The King and I was as follows:

Artistic Director Musical Director Choreographer Rehearsal Pianist Stage Director Stage Manager Properties Wardrobe Prompt	Iain Fraser Gerry Devlin Rita Jane Kinloch Gerry Devlin Alistair Wylie Liz McGoldrick Jim Watt Christine Hooper Louise Begg

Professional Services

Our thanks to the following companies who provided services for this production:

Set Costume	Scenic and Property Hire, Wales Midland Costume, Crewe

Show Programme

Click the links below to see excerpts from the Show Programme:

Production Team
Principal Cast
Full Company
Supporting Cast

If you have any photos from this production please email them to cammy@uktheatre.net