After their hugely successful run on Broadway at the Vivian Beaumont Theatre and at the London Palladium in the West End, The King and I is back in all its glory to showcase Rodgers and Hammerstein’s beloved musical in its finest hour. Directed by Tony Award winner Bartlett Sher, this hugely popular classic from the golden age of musical theatre dazzles and astonishes in every way.
The King and I is a tale of love in so many forms; for children, for lovers, for those lost and for those who puzzle us most. Despite being written over 70 years ago, these themes remain as timeless as ever. There is also such an empowering discussion of women and females, and their roles in a ‘modern’ society. Anna, a British Schoolteacher, is brought to Siam to educate The King’s children. All 67 of them. The King is spoiled and controlling but begins to soften the more he heeds Anna’s lessons. As their relationship blossoms, their enmity melts away to be replaced by a mutual respect that each rightfully deserves.
With iconic songs like “Shall We Dance” “I Whistle a Happy Tune” and “Getting to Know You” and a cast to blow you away, this production is utterly delightful: I would gladly attend every other show for the rest of the week, if not the rest of the tour. A traditional pit at the foot of the stalls allowed the sensational orchestra to be heard with impeccable clarity as R&H would have intended. The set design from Michael Yeargan is transformative and fluid with moving parts to create each scene perfectly. The lighting from Donald Holder also created a literal bamboo curtain; a well-crafted visual metaphor which transported us to Siam once said curtain was raised. The costumes were a visual feast thanks to the incredible work of Catherine Zuber. The attention to detail was outstanding, and each scene was packed with vibrant colours and of course Anna’s huge, hooped skirts and dresses which are so synonymous with this musical.
Annalene Bleechly is a veteran of the role of Anna Leonowens having first taken on the role in 2018 at the London Palladium and then the 2019 UK Tour. She was exquisite and demonstrative of witnessing a performer simply born to play a role. Also from the Palladium run were stars Dean John-Wilson as Lun Tha, Sam Yo as Kralahome and Cezarah Bonner as Lady Thiang. Bonner, in particular, left an indelible mark with her emotionally charged rendition of “Something Wonderful”. Brian Rivera’s King of Siam is similarly well practiced after he originally understudied the role on Broadway. Bringing nuanced comedy to the stage as well as gravitas and weight, Rivera’s limited four-week stint with this production is a wonder to behold. The children in the production were utterly charming. "Getting to Know You" was a delightful highlight of the show.
However, it is the "Small House of Uncle Thomas" ballet that defies description. It transcends mere dance to become a masterclass in storytelling through movement. The intricacy of the choreography, the synchrony of the dancers, and the overwhelming emotional intensity of the performance left spectators breathless. While all the choreography was stunning, this ballet soared to an entirely different level."The King and I" is a production that transcends time and borders, offering a powerful message about cultural understanding, love, and the human spirit. Endlessly impressive, breath-taking and grand beyond every expectation. To borrow a phrase from the production itself, it is undeniably "Something Wonderful" indeed.
Review by Harriet Langdown
Rating: ★★★★★
Seat: G34 | Price of Ticket: £60.50 (or £72.50 if it had been Saturday!) (With tickets from £21)
