Bangkok Diary

15th September

The party at Mr Uberoi’s house was a great success with everyone. I don’t think any of us had experienced such an amazing apartment and the view across Bangkok and over the British Embassy was stunning. It was also a triple celebration for Birthdays. As well as Mr Uberoi’s wife, Damira, it was Darren Goldmith and Hannah Bateman’s Birthdays and our host provided a cake for the occasion. The food was excellent and the wine flowed well into the night.

One of the highlights of this morning was the exploding display cabinet. Michela Paolacci and John Hull were standing looking at the chocolates and pastries in the delicatessen when there was a huge explosion and they were covered with glass. For some unknown reason, and nothing to do with the dancers, the cabinet had simply erupted. Fortunately nobody was hurt but it was a shock for all of us standing waiting for the coach to take us on a mornings sightseeing.

Fortunately, the torrential rain of last night had stopped and everybody enjoyed the tour of the Royal Palace and Wat Pho immensely. (Wat is the Thai word for a temple.) The shining gold and coloured decoration of the buildings was awesome and we saw amongst other things, the Emerald Buddha (very small) and the Reclining Buddha (very large.)

David Nixon arrived early this morning but missed the trip catching up on some sleep before flying rehearsals with the two Peters (Hiro and Patrick).

Work in the theatre is progressing but is taking longer than anticipated. The great news is that the Moving Lights cleared customs last night and are now safely where they should be in the theatre. We haven’t worked out yet how they are getting back to the UK as it now transpires that they can only go on a direct flight as they are too big for the smaller planes that fly from Europe in and out of London. Qantas and Thai seem to be the only possibilities.

Talking with the company, they are all of the opinion that Bangkok is great. The people are lovely and so friendly and courteous, the food is amazingly cheap and they can’t believe how wonderful the hotel accommodation is. (Not at all like digs on tour in the UK.)

Tonight the whole company have been invited to the British Embassy to a reception hosted by the Ambassador. Tomorrow, serious work starts with class, more flying rehearsals, technical rehearsal and then the opening night followed by a reception hosted by the British Council.

Mark Skipper
Northern Ballet Theatre Chief Executive