The grand tradition of dinner-theatre at Millennium Hilton Bangkok will continue this year with the British Theatre Playhouse‘s latest production, “From a Jack to a King” from 20-22 May 2010.

Olivier Award-Winning British playwright and director, Bob Carlton has taken Shakespeare’s famous play “Macbeth” but added some twenty, famous, rock and rolls songs — which Shakespeare forgot to put in and set it in 1960’s Soho, London.

The rock and roll musical is titled “Form a Jack to a King”. It will rock Bangkok with …”Jailhouse Rock”; Down Town”; You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling”; “Go Johnny Go”; The Sun Aint Gonna Shine Anymore”, “Leader of the Pack” and “Blue Suede Shoes” are just some of the all-time, great hits in the show, to be performed live on stage by a talented, UK cast of actor-musicians.

The musical enjoyed a run in London’s West End at the Ambassadors Theatre and has since toured the UK with great success. Now the British Theatre Playhouse is set to follow suit with the Asian debut in Singapore and the production will tour-on to Kuala Lumpur, Ho Chi Minh City and Bangkok.

“Casting has been announced to find the right actors-musicians for the show. All the actors have to be able to act, sing and play one or two instruments each as all the songs will be performed live on stage.

“Matt Devitt will be directing the production. He is an ideal choice because he was involved in the original UK production, has a long list of directorial credits and has directed and played one of the leading roles in the musical“ says John Faulkner who is producing the musical with his wife and co-producer, Cecilia Leong-Faulkner. John is a trained professional actor/ director from the UK who has recently opened the first Musical Theatre School in Singapore (www.musicaltheatreschool.sg) offering programmes for adults who enjoy the world of musical theatre — songs and dance).

“From a Jack to a King” will be John’s and Cecilia’s tenth production presented by the British Theatre Playhouse which was established in Singapore in 2004. The British Theatre Playhouse has produced a series of British plays and musicals which have played in Singapore and a number of other venues around the region including Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok and Colombo.

The British Theatre Playhouse’s aim is to entertain and stimulate theatre-goers and is very internationally focussed with a strong British connection, working closely with established British playwrights, actors, directors and designers from the UK.

Synopsis
Aspiring but wimpish Eric Glamis wants to be a rock star but lacks the drive and guts until three witches take him under their control and make him their choice for fame (sounds familiar?).

Eric proves to be a sensation on the drums and a knock-out on the guitar and is taken on by (dubious) rock impresario Duke Box who promptly renames Eric, Thane Cawdor!
However, it's rock star Terry King — complete with Kawasaki motorbike and Elvis impersonations - who stands in Eric's way to stardom.

So, spanner in hand (Is this a spanner that I see before me?) Eric makes a few adjustments to the wheels of Terry's motorbike and... "Crash".... he becomes the new King and marries the love of his life Queenie, who just happens to be Terry's "ex"!

Terry, though, isn't going to take all this lying down (even in his grave) and returns to haunt Eric to the point where Joe Macduff, a cool American cop (working in Soho) , arrests him after some thrilling musical duels and justice is seen to be done…and heard to be done too!

Yes, the cast of nine acts all the roles, play all the instruments and sing all the songs live on the stage.

One London review of the original production sums up “From a Jack to a King”:
“A great, fun night — outrageously ripping-off the Bard’s best bits and giving the thrilling mix of rock n’ roll and Shakespeare!”

“From a Jack to a King” opens at the Grand Ballroom, Millennium Hilton Bangkok on Thursday 20th May 2010 with a Charity Gala Dinner-Theatre presented by Thailand Tatler magazine in aid of The Bangkok Post Foundation and the BCCT charities in Bangkok; on the second night Friday 21st May 2010, there will be a ‘British Night’ with pre-show cocktails and dinner specially made by our Guest Chef – Grant Parry, Chef de Cuisine at Verre By Gordon Ramsay at Hilton Dubai Creek. On the last evening/performance, on Saturday 22nd May 2010, it will be a ‘Matinee Show’ where tickets include soft drinks and popcorn.

Ticket prices:
Gala Charity Dinner on Thursday 20th May is THB 4,800 and THB 4,300 net per person.
British Night Gala Dinner on Friday, 21st May 2010 is THB 4,800 and THB 4,300 net per person
Matinee Show on Saturday 22nd May 2010 is THB 1,000 net per person

For reservation and further information please call +66 (0) 2442 2000 or e-mail: bangkok@hilton.com

About Millennium Hilton Bangkok
Location
The Millennium Hilton Bangkok offers a fresh perspective on life. Spectacularly located on the Chao Phraya River, with sweeping views of Bangkok, this stunning new contemporary hotel is conveniently accessible by road, skytrain or river and is just 45 minutes from Suvarnabhumi Airport. This 32-storey landmark features a broad river frontage, private wharf, cutting-edge spa concept, and chic interiors by BARstudio and tonychi lighting. Attractions like the Grand Palace, the Reclining Buddha and Temple of Dawn are just a short boat ride away.

Millennium Hilton Bangkok was named 1 of top 100 best hotels in Asia of the “2009 Readers' Choice Awards” by Condé Nast Traveler Magazine.

About Hilton Hotels
Hilton Hotels is the stylish, forward-thinking global leader of hospitality that welcomes guests in more countries than any other full-service hotel brand. The Hilton brand currently includes more than 530 hotels and resorts in 76 countries, and plans to serve travelers in 80 countries by the end of 2011. By offering innovative products, services and amenities, Hilton enables travelers to be at their best 24/7, whether travelling for business or leisure. Start your journey at www.hilton.com.

Source: Millennium Hilton Bangkok release dated April 2010

Millennium Hilton Bangkok
123 Charoennakorn Road, Klongsan,
Bangkok 10600, Thailand
Tel +66 2442 2435
Fax +66 2442 2089
Web site: www.bangkok.hilton.com