Bangkok Diary

18th September

Well sadly, this is my last Letter from Bangkok.

The highlight of the day was that we were honoured by the attendance at this afternoon’s performance by the King’s elder sister, Her Royal Highness, Princess Galyani Vadhana Krom Luang Naradhiwas Rajnagarindra.

This was a very formal occasion and David Nixon and I were invited to join the official line-up along the red carpet as Her Royal Highness arrived. We were presented to Her Royal Highness by Mr Uberoi with amongst other guests Peter Upton, Director of the British Council and members of the Bangkok Festival Committee. Her Royal Highness retired briefly as we all took our seats and then made her entrance into the auditorium and her anthem was played whilst the audience stood reverently looking in her direction. At the end of the anthem everybody bowed to the Princess and took their seats. David and I were proud to be part of this appreciation and reverence of the Thai Royal Family.

In the interval Her Royal Highness retired with her entourage. During the curtain call the dancers honoured the Thai culture with a traditional Wai bow, which sent the audience into raptures of cheers and applause. At the end of the performance, the King’s song was played as it had been at all performances and was followed by the Princess’s anthem once again as she left the auditorium.

This afternoon’s cast was Hironao Takahashi as Peter, Desire Samaai as Wendy, Darren Goldsmith as Mr Darling/Captain Hook and Ginnie Ray as Mrs Darling and as the anthem played they were escorted to the foyer with John Pryce-Jones to meet Her Royal Highness along with David. Her Royal Highness told David that she thought the performance was great fun and was very impressed with the flying. She asked how it worked and how they got the harnesses and wires on and off. Hiro obliged by undoing his costume and showing her his harness!! Her Royal Highness also said that the dancing was beautiful and that she had never seen anything like it before. She was such a gracious person and gave everybody her time and attention.

It was another great performance and David and I are both immensely proud of what everyone has contributed to a very successful overseas tour. Our sponsors, the British Council, seemed equally delighted with our performances, as did Mr Uberoi.

Sadly we had to take our leave of Damira and Mr Uberoi (his nickname is Kuku and that’s what everybody calls him!!) I had a very positive conversation with him about future Festivals. I don’t think any of us would refuse the opportunity but maybe with a slightly less technical production!!

The dancers were taken back to the hotel for a quick shower, to finish packing and then to the airport for the overnight flight to London via Vienna.

As for the Moving Lights you will be pleased to know that they are booked on a cargo flight early next week and should be back with us in time for Dracula in Milton Keynes.

Mark Skipper
Northern Ballet Theatre Chief Executive