Dutch
ambassador Tjaco van den Hout (2nd right) enjoys a pre-show meal with
friends and guests at the Mata Hari restaurant in Pattaya.
Ben Hansen
A musical cabaret show, recently presented by Dutch pianist Ben
Hansen at his home in Jomtien, was attended by some 130 Dutch ex-pats
including the Dutch ambassador to Thailand, Tjaco van den Hout. Three
renowned actresses, Hedy Wiegner, Ineke Veenhoven, Marijke van der Velden
and director and playwright Hans van Hechten were all flown in specially for
this unique event.
Queen
Beatrix and two ladies-in-waiting: Hedy Wiegner, Ineke Veenhoven (Queen
Beatrix) and Marijke van de Velden. (Photo/Joop Blom)
The show was rehearsed and had one previous try-out in Amsterdam. The
fictional story called “It’s high time, Your Majesty!!!” was written and
composed by Mr. Hansen and four other Dutch playwrights with the song lyrics
from ex-pat Dick Koger.
The tale is about three retired ladies-in-waiting trying to persuade Queen
Beatrix of The Netherlands to retire in Pattaya after her abdication. As
former members of the Dutch Royal Household, they are concerned about the
present dangers in society and terrorist attacks. The women devise a secret
plan and make arrangements for Beatrix to spend her retirement in Pattaya.
As the show rolls on, the three ladies experience opposition from civil
servants of the Dutch government, the Prime Minister and ambassador Tjaco
van den Hout. The Dutch Government is not at all amused with the idea of
buying a condominium in Pattaya for the Queens retirement.
When the ladies abandoned all hope, the Queen herself arrives and makes a
speech to her “fellow countrymen” explaining why she will not settle down in
Pattaya after her abdication. The show ended with Queen Beatrix (played by
Ineke Veenhoven) singing a hilarious song with the audience.
A standing ovation and encores concluded this special and impressive
theatrical evening.
