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Raffles of Singapore - a brilliant production |
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Written by Ian Senior
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 On Sunday morning, 21 November I felt flat. HAODS's brilliant
production of Raffles of Singapore was over. And what a journey it had
been since 24 June 2009 when Richard, Helen Barter and I presented
Raffles to an open meeting of the Society. About 40 of you were
present. We described the story, sang some of the songs and read some
scenes. Then Terry Rymer told us to turn our backs to the audience so
that you could vote on the show. When we turned round he told us it was
unanimously "yes".
So when Ray Burton's delightful production of The Boyfriend was over it
was "only forward now" for Raffles. Thanks to Julie Huntington's
brilliant PR skills the Henley Standard got on board with the story that
HAODS was going to produce a UK premiere. Nearer the time she obtained
a blog-spot for Alan Elston to talk about the role of Raffles. A
publicity panel was formed and set its sights high with the idea of a
black-tie gala to open the show and to raise money for Alzheimer's
Society. We chose this charity because of our friendship with Kevin
Whately, star of Morse and Lewis, who took various roles in the original
production in Singapore and Hong Kong and who is an ambassador for
Alzheimer's Society. The evening raised £9.5k for Alzheimer's.
Casting took place and Raffles went into rehearsal. It was so exciting
to watch Tim Cumper, the oustanding MD, coaching the company through the
musical numbers with huge skill and infinite patience; and Julia Rymer,
an amazingly thoughtful and experienced director, bringing her creative
ideas to the show.
Fast forward to the dress rehearsals and our delight at aspects of the
production we hadn't seen let alone thought of: the amazing opening of a
jet plane flying into modern Singapore; and the adorable children from
Stage Works doing the candle-dance Kronchong. Other highs were hearing
Tim Cumper's outstanding band playing orchestrations that sounded as
fresh as ever and seeing how the actors had developed the characters we
had created. Alan Elston's Raffles added lovely touches of light and
shade to the role which makes or breaks the show. Michelle Wesson's
moving interpretation of Olivia was one that I and others felt was
markedly better than that in the original professional production. Ray
Burton's fine voice was great and we almost got used to his versions of
the script!
Smaller parts were beautifully developed. I've come to the conclusion
that Samantha Fields and Jennamarie Smith (Agatha and Agnes) actually
giggle their way through real life though they tell me that they are not
in the least attracted to boozy colonels. Ian Head's Gillespie got
funnier by the performance. Michael Huntington's gaoler stole the show
for his four minute scene, and one of the biggest laughs was for Peter
Dayton's bailiff saying "Then you have my deepest sympathy".
David Parsonson's superb choreography in the opening scene and then in
"Fire" established the modernity of the show. Full marks to Jerry
Anderson for handling the scene changes so well and to Derek Gilbert
whose lighting had to achieve technically difficult effects. Bruce
Smith's sound was well balanced. How Izzy Foley coped with the number
of costume changes needed by Olivia, Agnes and Agatha in particular I
shall never know.
Thanks a bundle to you all from Richard and me and not least to Ann Jenkin as PA to the director.
So where do we go with the show now? We have contacts in the USA, Perth
Western Australia and Singapore, and we shall be sending out DVDs which
should be ready before Christmas. Julie took orders at the post-show
party on 20 November. We'll let you know the price and when they are
available. If you didn't put your name down, e-mail Julie
(hunting311@aol.com)
The most encouraging feedback we have had was in an unsolicited e-mail from a West End producer who wrote:
"I have no doubt that the music, lyrics and book are of professional
standard, genuinely good. And therefore with a potential commercial
future..."
He also said that the starting cost for the show in the West End would
be £2m, so if any of you have lots of dosh and fancy a flutter, please
get in touch. Remember that the angels who invested in Phantom and Les
Mis are still getting their monthly dividend 20 years on and counting.
Finally, I shall be there at the opening night of Follies which is my
second favourite musical. Can anyone guess which is my favourite?
Ian Senior
Co-writer
Raffles of Singapore
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