The Bangkok Ladyboy Male Voice Choir
Ray and Bryn had been friends for almost 10 years. Bryn and his wife Katherine had moved to the English Midlands from the Welsh valleys when he lost his job at the Port Talbot steelworks. Ray was a metallurgist by education but for some years had worked
as senior furnace man operating the huge Cupola melting unit which delivered 12 ton of molten iron every hour to the voracious moulding lines of a large automotive foundry.
Ray liked Bryn from the moment of his arrival on the furnace platform to begin his first days work as Ray’s assistant. Bryn had worked on the blast furnace at the steelworks in his previous employment so was well acquainted with the processes and
disciplines of big furnace operation. They were of a similar age and over the next few years they developed a strong friendship forged in the comradeship of toiling together in hot dirty and dangerous working conditions.
At the end of the shift they always took a shower and changed into clean clothes prior to repairing to the local pub. This was to “settle the dust” before going home. It would take two pints of lager consumed in quick succession to quench
their thirst; they could then savour the third pint in a more relaxed manner. It had always been a source of amusement to Ray that this was the point which Bryn would check his watch. Ray would tease his friend “Your pass out hasn’t
expired yet, you have another 20 minutes before you have to return to the comforts of your wife”. Not that he received much comfort. Bryn appeared in mortal dread of his wife and knew if he returned home late for his dinner he would
suffer the rough edge of her tongue and withdrawal of his modest conjugal rights.
Like many Welsh men Bryn was a gregarious fellow, a strange harmony of contrasts full of wild enthusiasms and occasional deep moroseness. Everyone attributed his sporadic depressions to his dark Celtic soul, all except Ray who put it down to his wife.
Katherine was a mean spirited Welsh woman …all chapel and chintz curtains. The archetypal disappointed woman she felt it her Christian duty to make Bryn’s life a misery.
The only night Bryn relaxed was Monday when he had an extension to his pass out to attend choir practice. Ray had sung with the Tipton and district Male voice choir since his return to the area 15 years ago. Bryn long expressed a desire to join the choir
with his friend but for some time his wife wouldn’t allow him. Bryn claimed to have sung in both the Morriston Orpheus and Treorchy Male choir when he lived in the Land of my fathers, which Ray humoured as harmless fantasy.
Like every Englishman you meet above the age of 70 claimed to have once been the youngest sergeant in the British army, Ray had yet to meet a Welshman who hadn’t had a trial as scrum half for his county or sung in some
famous Male voice choir.
Then out of the blue Katherine had begun going out to Bingo on Monday nights so graciously allowed Bryn to join the choir. The first time Ray took him to practice he was pleasantly surprised to discover that Bryn actually had a marvelous baritone voice,
rich, dark and sonorous. Bryn took to singing with a passion, within a few months had learnt all the choirs’ repertoire and became recognised as a leading voice in the baritone section. Ray taught him the rudiments
of reading music and within a year he had become the baritone soloist for the choir. There had never been a more enthusiastic chorister in the choir’s long history. Ray had never seen so much joy in a man when Bryn
was issued with the regulation navy blue blazer with the choir’s insignia on the breast pocket. He wore it with such pride Ray suspected he probably kept it on in bed.
Ray had initially anticipated a problem with Katherine as during the concert season they could be out singing two or three nights a week. But he was astounded when Katherine sanctioned Bryn’s increased liberty with little argument.” I can have extra nights at the Bingo if he is out singing” was her surprising response.
For a few years Bryn was content in the routine then one day he returned from work (on time) to find a note from Katherine informing him she had left him. Apparently the nights out at the Bingo were actually romantic trysts with Cecil the deputy manager
from the Co-op and an elder of the chapel she attended. The letter further informed that they had left to run a guest house together in Aberystwyth. Bryn was understandably devastated. Ray was sad to see the anguish
of his friend but felt Bryn would be better off without her in the long run. He just needed to show him…to which end, he had a plan
Ray had never married. His father had died just as he was completing University. At the funeral he was approached by Tom the manager of the foundry his father had worked for all his life. Tom had been close friends with Ray’s father and he had
known Ray since he was a boy. Tom was also conductor of the local male voice choir. He offered Ray a job on the furnaces when he finished college, if he wanted it. In the absence of any great ambition Ray took
the job and moved back in with his mother. His mother had a terminal condition and he cared for her until her demise three years later. Her passing had left him with a semi detached house in a pleasant part
of town. He sold the house, giving him a nice nest egg to invest and rented a small flat near the foundry. He led a frugal existence and everyone who knew him thought his only passion was the choir and the two
extended holidays a year he took to visit his Elderly Aunt in Australia.
But Ray had a secret known only to a very select few. He had no elderly Aunt nor had he ever been to Australia. For the past 10 years His prudent life style and the interest on his little nest egg funded a twice yearly trip to the Kingdom of Thailand.
In that time Ray had seen the pussy shows in Patpong visited every Go-go bar in Cowboy and Nana, every soapy massage parlour in Suhkumvit, every hostess bar in the street of artists and even found time to
see a couple of temples. He had sampled the part timers of the Biergarten and Thermae, had a good hiding at the Eden club and availed himself of the best timeshare girl friends that the kingdom could offer.
For 3 weeks every six months Ray was the classic sex monger and he collected enough memories to keep him smiling through the remainder of the year living in the UK.
Ray had never felt the urge to bring a Thai bride back to Britain. He saw Thailand as the hologram suite in Star Trek, a place of fantasy, an adult Disneyland. He rationalised you wouldn’t visit Disneyland and try to marry Minnie Mouse.
Tom his manager knew his secret as he had to sanction his absences from work; in fact it was Tom who had first suggested Thailand to Ray. He had visited Pattaya on holiday with his wife Gladys some years ago. It was his great regret that his wife had been with him, she had seen the goings on with her own eyes which meant he would never be allowed to go alone to Thailand on the golfing holidays he so coveted. Tom enjoyed a vicarious pleasure when he had Ray retell him his adventures. One person Ray definitely kept in the dark was his best friend Bryn, he knew Bryn could not keep the information from Katherine and Ray did not want the complications of such a mean spirited woman knowing his secret
.
With the departure of Katherine circumstances had changed. Bryn had moved out of the marital home and began the process of selling it. He had moved into Rays flat. One evening after work Ray told his new flat mate all about his Siamese sojourns. For the
first time since he knew him Bryn sat speechless in open mouthed wonderment. Ray recounted descriptions of the soft skinned feminine woman he encountered and the how they were so different from
the uncouth graceless creatures they were accustomed to living in Tipton. Amid the tales of debauchery he recounted Ray could not fail to notice Bryn had been most attentive at his descriptions
of those exotic creatures more woman than real women, namely the Katoeys or Lady Boys.
It was therefore not surprising that Bryn had jumped at Rays suggestion he accompany him on his next trip to the Kingdom, particularly when Ray had offered to pay for his air fare and hotel.
Arrangements were made, firstly with Tom who sanctioned the two of them being away together, with the proviso they returned with a number of scandalous tales and spicy photos to satisfy his vicarious desires.
*****
The Thai airways flight was uneventful and Bryn regaled his fellow passengers with tales of his rugby career and his musical prowess. Ray navigated them through the airport into a taxi to the infamous Nana Hotel. They checked in to find despite Ray making
both bookings together their rooms were at opposite ends of the hotel, but mai pen rai. Ray told Bryn to settle in and meet him back in the lobby in an hour’s time. Once in
his room Ray threw his bag on the bed and unpacked with a practiced ease. He showered and changed into smart casual clothes suitable for the climate then made his way to the lobby
to meet his pal. Bryn was waiting patiently in the lobby wearing his choir blazer, thick flannel slacks with a shirt and tie. It was 8.00 in the evening but even with the hotels air
conditioning he was perspiring profusely. On seeing him Ray was amused and exclaimed “you daft bugger you will sweat your cobblers off in that get up”. He told his friend
to go back to the room and change into something cooler. Bryn returned in a pair of chinos and a polo shirt with the choir’s logo embroidered on the breast pocket. Satisfied
with the compromise Ray led his friend to the Golden bar adjacent to the hotel.
They settled themselves on chairs beside the rail overlooking the busy Soi and ordered four beers from a cute waitress with a delightful smile. Neither spoke until they had put themselves outside the four beers to “settle the dust”. Ray
ordered two more beers, bought the waitress a drink and only then did they relax and savior the atmosphere. Bryn was silent totally mesmerised by the early evening bustle of Nana
Tai. Ray back in his spiritual home and at ease with the world, was lost in memories of previous visits.
They were woken from their reverie by a polite “excuse me are these seats taken?” Ray looked up to see two highly respectable looking gentlemen pointing at the two vacant chairs at their table. Ray apologized for his daydream and invited
them to join him. The two gentlemen smiled and took their seats. Ray identified them as Americans from their accents and their clothes. Although casually dressed as befitted
the climate, their clothes were clearly expensive and well cut. Ray enjoyed meeting new people on his visits but had developed radar that quickly identified the ones to welcome
and who to avoid. Ray immediately identified these two as cultured well-mannered fellows who would be interesting company, so he introduced himself and Bryn to the newcomers.
They reciprocated, introducing themselves as Abe and Jack two retired businessmen from Pittsburgh Pennsylvania.
In spite of the reclusive image Ray preferred to portray back home he was actually very sociable and once outside his hometown made friends easily. Bryn was an incorrigible raconteur so the conversation flowed easily with two genial and refined chaps
like Abe and Jack. In the course of the conversation the Americans explained that they were both widowers and upon taking early retirement five years ago their intention
had been to spend six months a year touring the world. But since discovering Bangkok four years ago their annual world tour was now exclusively taken in Thailand. Jack
recounted some of the misadventures that two elderly gentlemen could only experience in Thailand and Ray had them in stitches with some of his own unusual experiences
in the kingdom.
Ray spotted a face he recognised entering the bar and called him over. Mike was an Aussie who had lived and worked in Bangkok for some years. In his mid 50s Mike cut a fine figure, was well respected in the Bangkok business community and a celebrity amongst
aficionados of the Naughty night life. Mike had been introduced to Ray on his first visit by a mutual friend and they had been pals ever since. Ray made the introductions
and Mike joined the party. Mike had an unequaled fund of stories which he delivered in that wonderful droll manner that only antipodeans can master.
In a rare lull in the conversation Abe happened to mention the choir logo on Bryn’s polo shirt. This came as no surprise to Ray as for the past hour Bryn had done everything but stand on his head trying to draw attention to it. Ray smiled to himself
as Bryn began to tell everyone about the male voice choir and the major role he played in it. Abe interjected and explained that he also sung Bass in a barbers
shop quartet and Jack was the lead tenor in the Westmoreland county operatic society. This prompted a lively discussion about the difference between the harmonies
employed in barbers shop singing compared to traditional male voice choirs. Bryn was like a dog with two dicks and a full bladder in a street full of lampposts.
Much as Ray enjoyed his music and the present company, he was in Bangkok and life was short. He checked his watch and was surprised to see it was almost 10.00. He interrupted the conversation and enquired what the plans were for the evening. Abe and Jack
expressed an interest in exploring the Nana plaza opposite. Ray said he had planned to see Soi cowboy but seeing the disappointment on Bryn’s face at
the thought of leaving his new found friends; Ray relented and agreed to a perusal of the Nana plaza.
The party repaired up the stairs to Angelwitch just in time to see the show begin. Bryn sat open mouthed at the spectacle. On reflection Ray was pleased that the first Go-go bar Bryn saw was Angelwitch. It is an entertaining cabaret and a gentle induction
to the scene. Never the less Ray was glad when the group decided to move on. The next point of call was the Mandarine, a particular favourite of Rays with
some toothsome morsels on display. There was one little Issan cutie giving him the eye, and he thought maybe she should be the one tonight to take deposit
of his six month abstinence. He could hear Bryn telling Jack and Abe a tale about singing at the Royal Albert Hall with the massed Welsh male voice choirs.
Bryn was clearly unimpressed with the Mandarine merchandise; it was time to move on.
Rainbow 4 was buzzing as usual and presented some of the best eye candy in the plaza. Mike sat next to Ray and whispered in his ear “Jeez Ray your Taffy mate can sure spin the bull” Ray smiled and explained “Bryn is a great bloke,
a reliable chap who would lay down his life for you but there is no denying he could bullshit for a Rest of the World XI.” Mike laughed and
declared “I think it is time we introduced Bryn to Thailand’s fairer third sex.”
The gang entered the Katoey bar to screams of delight from the laydees on stage. They selected seats as far back as they could but still received some intensive fondling as they were directed to their seats. Beers ordered they settled back to enjoy the
exotic display. Bryn turned to Ray and remarked “this is more like it; these women are sexier than the little waifs you showed me in the
other bars”. Ray did not have the heart to tell him the truth.
They had hardly taken the skin from their beer when the power failed and all the lights went out. Once the theatrical screams had died down the serving laydees began distributing lighted candles for illumination. He heard Bryn mention it was like the
blitz and suggested they could sing a few numbers to keep everyone entertained. To Ray’s horror Bryn started singing the first line
of “Some enchanted evening”.
Oh God! Ray thought, it is the first night of my vacation I am stuck in a katoey bar during a power cut and that pillock is going to start singing love songs. We shall all end up needing a surgeon to knit us new arse holes if we are not careful. Ray made
a decision and got to his feet.
FOR PITYS SAKE HOLD UP He screamed and seeing Bryn halt in mid stanza dropped his voice an octave and continued “if you do insist on singing in this den of arse banditry let us at least do it properly. Jack you sing the melody, Bryn and Abe sing
harmony in thirds beneath him and I will put a counter melody over the top”.
Abe and Jack nodded in agreement and Jack began in a melodious tenor voice.
Some enchanted evening…
You may see a stranger; you may see a stranger across a crowded room…
Abe and Bryn joined in with a gentle harmony and Ray provided a light counter melody
And somehow you know…you know even then,
That somewhere you’ll see her again and again.
As the music of Rogers and Hammerstein filled the air the bar went silent and as they sung the second verse everyone was in rapt attention. It was the turn of the Katoeys to sit in open mouthed wonder.
Who can explain it who can tell you why?
Fools give you reasons wise men never try…
A couple of the laydees had sidled up to Bryn, One was one his lap and the other had entwined her arms around him.
Some enchanted evening when you find your true love…
When you feel her call you across a crowded room
Some of laydees recognising the refrain were attempting to sing along. They didn’t know the words but Ray noted one or two of them were nicely
in tune.
Then fly to her side and make her your own
Or all through your life you may dream all alone
The climax approaching Ray had no intention of letting a Yank out sing him
Once you have found her never let her go
Once you have found her, ne-ver let her GO
Both Jack and Ray hit the top G with gusto and a definite hint of competition. It was only drown out by the sound of the enthusiastic applause which reverberated around the bar. Some wag shouted “Encore” to which Bryn innocently replied
“Never mind encore, let’s just sing the same
one again!”
At that moment the power supply returned and the lighting came back on. The sound system music resumed, some laydees began dancing again and the bar resumed to what passed for normality. Ray had enjoyed a good sing but thought it time to move on back
to Mandarine and collect his little Issan bunny. Bryn
still had two laydees on his lap and was describing
singing at the Birmingham Symphony Hall to their uncomprehending
faces. He shouts to Ray and asks him to explain again
how bar fining worked. Ray looked at his friend Mike
for inspiration. Mike smiled and said “leave
it to me I will enlighten him” Ray watched as
Mike diplomatically explained to Bryn the true nature
of the ladies on his lap. It was with some amusement
he saw Bryn’s face slowly change as the truth
dawned upon him. He finally spoke “I thought
her voice was a bit deep even for a contralto”
he went very quiet for a moment then continued “she
would make a good tenor though”.
Ray finished his beer, called for the bill, and suggested it was time to go. Bryn protested reluctant to leave having got nicely settled with his two laydees. Abe remarked that he and Jack were staying a while longer. They assured Ray not to worry as
they would see that Bryn got back to the hotel
ok. Knowing his friend was in safe hands; he and
Mike made their farewells and returned to the Mandarine.
His little cutie was still there, Ray bar fined
her and took her back the hotel with somewhat indecent
haste.
He woke the next morning and finally disentangled himself from his delicious companion. His first action after rousing her was to phone Bryn’s room, but there was no answer. As his room was the other side of the hotel he put off checking up on
him until after breakfast. Ray and his escort
took breakfast in the Nana restaurant and as
soon as she left him Ray went up to seek out
Bryn’s room. Ray knocked on the door
but there was no reply. He returned to his
own room to find a note had been passed under
the door. It was in Bryn’s handwriting
and read
‘I will probably not see you for a day or so, Nut and Oyo are taking me to see the Royal Palace and maybe a bit of shopping. We are talking about going to Hua Hin tomorrow. I am ok and enjoying myself. Don’t worry I will catch up with you some time later this week. Cheers Bryn’
Ray was bemused and a little concerned by the note but relieved that his friend had let him know what he was doing. It would help in filing a police report if necessary.
*****
Ray spent the day in some of his regular haunts around Suhkumvit. In between trying unsuccessfully to contact Bryn on his mobile he caught up with a few ex pat acquaintances and old timeshare girlfriends. He returned to the Nana at around 6.00. A call
to his room and enquiries at reception
revealed no sign of his friend.
He took a short nap and woke refreshed
two hours later. He showered, changed
and repaired to the Golden bar.
Sitting at the rail were Jack and Abe, Ray joined them. Abe immediately asked the whereabouts of his friend Bryn. Ray explained about the note and Jack laughed. “We stayed in that bar last night, it was good fun and it was clear two of the laydees
had taken possession of your
pal”.
Jack paused for a moment clearly selecting his words and continued.
“I think he was quite smitten with the one little katoey, I must admit she is a real looker, petite and feminine …definitely post-op. The other one is a bit more butch, but you could see she was absolutely besotted with Bryn. He had to take them
as a pair so he bar
fined them both. We
walked back to the
Nana with him and the
last we saw of him
they were going into
the lift to his room”.
Seeing the concern in Ray’s eyes, Abe interrupted his friend.
“I wouldn’t worry too much; I know he will be ok”.
Abe blushed slightly and continued.
“I …ahem …went with the little one myself for a few days last month”.
Seeing the look of astonishment his friend Jack was giving him Abe quickly declared.
“Well… I was curious”
Jack grinned and Abe remembering his friend already knew and was only teasing him, he relaxed and continued.
“Her name is Nut and she is actually a very sweet and sensitive soul. She told me her life story. He studied as a musician …as a pianist back in Nakhon somewhere, but even as a young boy recognised he was born in the wrong body. He made a living
playing
with
a
show
band.
Over
the
years
he
had
the
gender
realignment
operations
until
a
couple
of
years
ago
she
had
the
full
nip and tuck procedure
that
completed
the
process.”
Ray stifled the obvious question on his lips as he felt it would be impolite to ask.
“She told me that was the point she decided upon a new life. She quit the band and started dancing at the plaza. A decision I believe she somewhat regrets. The other one is named Oyo he is definitely pre op and as some distant relative of Nut,
tends
to
look
out
for
her.
I
believe
he
is
a
harmless
misfit
from
a
rich
family
and
has
a
property
in
Hua
Hin.
Abe rather sheepishly continued
“I went to Hua Hin with them myself for a couple of days; it is quite a nice set up.
Jack stepped in and concluded “
“Ray, to answer your concerns I think Bryn will be ok with them…and anyway he is old enough and ugly enough to look after himself, so don’t worry about him”.
Ray was not fully convinced knowing Bryn’s wild enthusiasms. But he conceded he was a grown man and there was little he could do.
Abe grinned at Ray and whispered,
“And to answer the question you have been dying to ask, but are far too polite to do so…yes her man made ladies front bottom was
very
authentic,
and
quite
remarkable”.
Their laughter changed the mood and they began discussing plans for the evening.
They made their way to Soi Cowboy. The tour began with Happy hour in the Dollhouse. As soon as he walked in he spotted Poot on stage. Poot was an old favorite of Ray, just turned 30 she was the sweetest natured girl in Suhkumvit with the most exquisite
legs
in
the
kingdom.
On
seeing
Ray
she
gave
a
little
scream
jumped
off
the
stage
and
threw
herself
into
Rays
waiting
arms.
She
led
him
to
a
seat
at
the
rear
of
the
bar
placed
herself
on
his
lap
and
showered
him
with
kisses.
Abe
and
Jack
settled
in
beside
them.
Ray
ordered
drinks
and
introduced
Poot
to
them.
After
a
couple
of
beers
Ray
was
ready
to
tour
a
few
bars
with
his
friends.
He
gave
Poot
2000
baht
telling
her
to
settle
the
bill
and
pay
her
barfine
for
a
couple
of
days.
He
would
come
and
collect
her
later.
Their tour took in Tilac, Suzy Wong, Baccarat, and Rawhide ending up in Long gun. At midnight Abe and Jack called it a day so Ray collected Poot and returned to the Hotel with her.
Poot informed Ray she had paid her barfine for four days so for the next few days Ray threw himself into the Thai girl friend experience. Poot was a consummate actress who relished the role. She was also a delightful companion so for a couple of days
he
didn’t
give
Bryn
much
thought.
On
the
fourth
day
a
note
was
pushed
under
his
door.
It
was
in
Bryn’s
handwriting.
Meet me in that katoey bar tonight at 10.00 (tell Jack and Abe if you see them) I have a surprise for you. Cheers Bryn.
By good fortune they met Abe and Jack on their way to the Bus Stop restaurant for a spot of lunch. Ray explained about the note, they smiled and promised to be there. Ray also phoned his pal Mike inviting him along.
*****
The gang arrived at the bar a little early but there was no sign of Bryn. The bar was heaving with customers but they were led to some seats that the serving girl said had been reserved for them. Their curiosity was certainly aroused now. Ray noticed
a
petite
girl
dressed
in
a
white
shirt
and
bow
tie
take
position
at
a
large
Casio
keyboard
that
had
been
set
up
at
the
side
of
the
stage.
Ray
recognised
her
as
Nut,
one
of
Bryn’s
companions
the
other
evening.
The
music
from
the
sound
system
ceased
and
the
lights
went
down.
The sound of the opening chords of “One night in Bangkok” came from the Casio keyboard and got the attention of the audience. A skillfully played transition moved into the overture from the “King and I”. A nice touch thought
Ray.
This
girl
was
certainly
an
accomplished
musician.
A
spotlight
illuminated
the
stage
to
reveal
eight
laydees
all
dressed
in
white
shirts
bow
ties
and
tight
leather
shorts.
The
music
changed
to
the
introductory
bars
of
“Some
enchanted
evening”
and
a
burley
figure
stepped
forward
from
the
rear
of
the
ensemble
and
began
singing
the
opening
line.
Some enchanted evening you may see a stranger…
Ray immediately recognized the dulcet tones of his friend Bryn but could not believe the sight confronting him. He stood resplendent in white shirt, bow tie …and tight leather shorts. A long black wig completed the vision
.
Ray observed that his beard did little for the effect.
As Bryn sang the laydees of the ensemble behind him provided a competent harmony although Ray could not fail to notice it lacked a decent counter melody.
Once you have found her, never let her go.
Once you have found her, ne-ver let her go.
Bryn sensibly avoided the top G and finished on a sonorous E flat.
The applause was cut short as Nut commenced the intro to “Nothing like a Dame” and Bryn began…
We got sunlight on the sand we got moonlight on the sea…
The laydees of the chorale had donned white naval caps and began a cute little dance routine. When Bryn reached the chorus they joined in.
There is nothing like a dame, nothing in the world…
The effect was quite charming and the piece was completed with one of the laydees revealing an astonishingly deep bass voice…
A girly, womanly, female, feminine … dame.
As the applause faded, a large laydee nervously stepped forward. Ray recognized her as Oyo, Bryn’s other companion from the previous evening. She offered a gentle rendition of Elvis’s “Love me tender and “Can’t help
falling
in
love”
in
a
sweet
tenor
voice.
The
supporting
harmonies
were
simple
but
pleasing.
It
was
an
arrangement
Ray
knew
and
it
sat
well
on
male
voice
choirs.
Oyo
finished
the
piece
tenderly.
I can’t help falling in love with you…
Oyo was one of their own so the applause and shrieks from the katoeys in the audience was quite spirited.
Bryn launched into an old male voice favourite
Row boatman row, row boatman row, row boatman, row us o’er the waters blue…
This was a good choice as it required the ensemble merely to repeat: row, row, row, row in
support.
A
simple
effect,
but
highly
entertaining.
By now the bar was packed to the rafters with passers by coming in curious to check the source of the hullabaloo.
Bryn stepped forward and presented a moving interpretation of “Bring him home” from Les Miserables. The ensemble followed with “Do you hear the people sing” from the same musical. This entailed them marching forward and backward
a
few
steps
as
they
sang,
just
as
Ray
had
seen
in
the
London
stage
performance.
He
was
most
impressed.
The concert concluded with “Llanfair” a traditional Welsh hymn tune much beloved of Male voice choirs.
Gwyn a Gwrid og hawdd garia-wn.
(
Praise the lord his glories show)
Ray was astounded that Bryn had chosen for them to sing in Welsh.
But on reflection did it matter? The whole concept of a bunch of Buddhist Thai transsexuals singing a Christian Hymn in the Welsh language was no more incongruous than much he had witnessed in this dysfunctional Disneyland.
Amen, amen, a-men, amen and A-MEN
The rousing finale would have bought tears to a glass eye anywhere in the world
The audience responded with tumultuous applause as the choir was mobbed by their katoey colleagues. Bryn eventually disengaged himself from the throng and descended the stage to greet his friends. Nut and Oyo were in tow. Ray gave his pal a huge hug and
planted
an
affectionate
kiss
on
the
cheeks
of
Nut
and
Oyo.
Ray was overwhelmed by the moment and exclaimed to his friend “Bugger me Bryn (that’s merely rhetorical by the way) that was incredible… where did all this come from?”
Bryn explained “Nut and Oyo had been fascinated with our impromptu performance the other night. I explained about Male voice singing and they expressed a desire to learn”. He took a swig of his beer and continued “The thing sort of
grew
and
we
ended
up
going
to
Oyo’s
place
in
Hua
Hin
with
a
gang
of
other
girls
who
were
also
interested.
Nut
took
a
keyboard;
she
has
a
natural
ear
and
can
play
like
an
angel.
We
spent
three
days
in
serious
rehearsal”
And in serious bumming thought Ray but resisted the urge to express it.
“I taught them a basic repertoire whilst Oyo taught us some dance routines and sorted out the costumes.” Oyo was watching Bryn with an evident devotion.
Abe exclaimed “Wow mate I am impressed you taught your katoey chorale that repertoire in such a short time”
Ray looked at Nut holding tightly on to Bryn’s hand with an obvious affection. He smiled at her and declared “Nut your accompaniment was wonderful, you play beautifully with a great skill” Nut lowered her eyes with a shy satisfaction.
Jack asked “who did the marvelous choreography?” Oyo beamed a huge smile “it was me” he declared. Jack continued “it was splendid, very well done” Oyo was almost orgasmic with pleasure that his artistic talent
had
been
recognised.
Mike had been unusually quiet all evening deep in thought, he finally spoke “you know, I think you may have something here…I can see great possibilities even if just for the novelty value”. He paused before continuing “If you polished
it
up
a
little
I
am
certain
I
can
get
you
bookings
at
some
of
the
better
venues
in
Bangkok”.
Bryn beamed a huge smile “yes I can do it …I remember when I was asked to conduct the Port Talbot Choir a few years ago…”
Realising his friend was about to launch into a flight of fancy Ray interrupted his flow “Bryn shut up for a minute and think about it”. Bryn looked at his two companions and seeing them smile, quietly answered “yes I am sure …with
Nut
and
Oyo’s
help
we
can
rustle
up
a
show”
The party eventually moved to a quieter bar outside the plaza. Jack and Abe were vying for the attention of a cute little serving girl, Poot was chatting animatedly to Nut and Mike was explaining some of his ideas to Oyo. This was the first opportunity
Ray
had
to
talk
to
his
friend
Bryn.
“Well old mate it is not what I intended when I bought you to Bangkok but you seem happy with those two.” Bryn looked at his pal and responded “Ray, I have never been so happy, Nut and Oyo are wonderful they really take care of me.
I
can
not
begin
to
describe
the
fun
we
have
together.”
Ray was relieved not to receive a graphic visualization of the mechanics of their ménage a trios.
Bryn continued “I have had a lot of pleasure from singing over the years but I never thought music would ever make my arse so sore”
********
True to his word Mike got them their first booking the following week, a twenty minute spot at the Sheraton. Poot paid her own bar fine so she could accompany Ray to see his friend and the choir’s performance. It was a great success, the audience
loved
them.
Mike
had
bought
a
journalist
friend
who
published
a
favorable
article
next
day
in
the
Bangkok
post.
The
article
was
well
received
and
created
a
great
deal
of
interest
in
the
Bangkok
expat
community,
At the end of his holiday Ray returned to the UK alone. Bryn rented a condo with Nut and Oyo where every Monday evening the katoey chorale would turn up for choir practice.
The bookings came and within a short time Bryn and the Bangkok Ladyboy male voice choir were performing twice a week to packed audiences.
Jack and Abe, ever the astute businessmen were not ones to miss an opportunity. With Mike’s help they took a lease on one of the bars in Soi 4 that had become vacant. It had once been a pool bar so there was room for a decent stage. They renovated
the
premises
to
a
high
standard,
renamed
it
the
“Siam
Sonata”
and
appointed
an
experienced
manager
to
run
the
bar.
They
also
engaged
Bryn
as
assistant
manager
to
ensure
the
continued
involvement
of
his
katoey
chorus
and
to
keep
him
out
of
mischief.
Ray
had
visions
of
Bryn
telling
all
and
sundry
how
he
once
managed
the
busiest
dockyard
pub
in
Cardiff.
The Bangkok Lady Boy male voice choir with Nut as musical director was developing a reputation for the high standard of its music. They became the resident entertainment at Siam Sonata performing three evenings during the week and at least once at the
weekend.
Bryn
remained
the
principle
soloist
but
was
training
a
couple
of
protégés
to
share
the
limelight
(and
the
workload).
Jack
and
Abe
prudently
employed
Oyo
as
artistic
director
to
organize
the
showgirls
in
their
dance
routines
and
to
scout
for
new
talent.
On
the
evenings
when
the
choir
was
performing
elsewhere
Oyo
introduced
some
promising
new
artists
from
the
Jazz
and
Classical
world.
Siam
Sonata
became
a
very
popular
venue
and
within
a
few
months
could
attract
international
musicians
visiting
the
city
on
their
way
through,
to
perform
as
guest
artists.
Ray kept regular contact with Bryn during the six months until his next Suhkumvit sojourn. Bryn was happily ensconced with Nut and Oyo. He declared himself a very lucky man to have two such attentive and devoted companions. There were not many men fortunate
to
have
two
partners
who
functioned
as
lovers,
housekeepers’
bodyguards
and
business
associates.
There
was
the
added
attraction
of
there
always
being
that
“little
extra”
to
play
with.
He
had
clearly
got
over
the
loss
of
Katherine.
Bryn also informed him that the bar was becoming a popular attraction and the choir now had an ensemble of 12 singers. They even had a new choir blazer (probably in a pastel pink thought Ray). His friend spoke of a recording contract and a future tour
of
Europe.
Ray
dismissed
this
as
typical
bluster
from
Bryn
but
was
nevertheless
delighted
that
his
friend
was
so
settled
and
happy
in
his
new
life.
Back in the UK, Tom the conductor of the Tipton and district male voice choir received a letter from the (mythical) mining town in Australia where Ray’s (Imaginary) elderly aunt resided. It was an invitation to join in the towns centenary celebrations
and
to
appear
as
guest
conductor
with
the
local
choir.
In
a
conversation
with
Tom’s
wife
Gladys,
Ray
described
the
delights
of
the
20
hour
flight
and
subsequent
10
hour
journey
by
Land
Rover
across
the
desert
to
get
to
the
town.
He
also
entertained
her
with
amusing
anecdotes
about
the
sanitary
arrangements
and
the
spiders
that
lived
beneath
toilet
seats.
For
some
unknown
reason
Gladys
convinced
Tom
that
maybe
he
should
go
alone
with
Ray
on
this
trip.
Tom had finally got his golfing holiday in the kingdom of Thailand.
******
Stickman's thoughts:
I am out of Bangkok for 3 days so sorry, no comments now.
