It's great to see one of Rodgers and Hammerstein's most complex works reappraised: opulently, intelligently and with love.
The Stage
It's great to see one of Rodgers and Hammerstein's most complex works reappraised: opulently, intelligently and with love.
The Stage
Why see The King And I?
Shall we dance?
A Far-Eastern romance beckons between a hard-hearted king and a widowed English governess
Following a triumphant and award-winning runs on Broadway and on the West End, this Tony-winning revival is touring the UK! Don't miss your chance to see this stunning production of the Rodgers and Hammerstein classic live on stage near you!
What is it about?
Anna Leonowens is a widowed English teacher, who is charged with teaching the King of Siam's (now Thailand) hundred-strong royal offspring. Upon arrival in the country, Anna and her son Louis find the culture overwhelmingly different from their own, and the King himself to be a severe and strict employer. Though their relationship is initially marked by conflict and tension, eventually a bond begins to grow between the King and Anna that blossoms into a mutual respect and later attraction; however, can they both overcome their clash of cultures and propriety for the sake of love?
Getting to know The King and I - A brief history
When The King and I originally opened in March 1951, Rodgers and Hammerstein both had serious doubts. Originally joking that audiences were only coming to see if it was better than their previous hit South Pacific, the immediate response allayed their fears. The King and I went on to become an overnight hit, and has played to audiences from Broadway to Bangkok, while its film adaptation, famous for Yul Brenner's commanding performance opposite Deborah Kerr in her voluminous ball-gowns, won five Academy Awards.
Key Information
Audience
Suitable for ages 10 years and older
Run Time
Two hours 55 minutes including an interval
Dates
Finished 16 Sep 2023
Cast
Helen George as Anna
Darren Lee as King of Siam
Dean John-Wilson as Lun Tha
Marienella Phillips as Tuptim
Cezarah Bonner as Lady Thiang
Kok-Hwa Lie as Kralahome
Caleb Lagayan as Prince Chulalongkorn
Sam Jenkins-Shaw as Captian Orton/Sir Edward Ramsay
Maria Coyne as alternate Anna
Chi Chan, Jeffery Chekai, Emily Grace-Ling, Cher Nicolette Ho, Rachel Wang-Hei Lau, Daniel Len, Candy Ma, Rachel MacDougall, Amelia Kinu Muus, Yuki Ozeki, Kitt Pakapom, Prem Rai, Ria Tanaka, Hiromi Toyooka, Jamine Triadi, Jensen Tudtud, Qinwen Xue and Jason Yang-Westland
Creative
Directed by Bartlett Sher
Music by Richard Rodgers
Book and Lyrics by Oscar Hammersetin II
Reviews
Customer reviews
33 reviews, average rating: (4.5 Stars)
Mermi
Wonderful music and performances
I loved Darren Lees performance but all of the cast were fantastic. Helen George is extremely talented . Cezarah Bonner, although so petite, had immense command of the stage as queen Thiang. The orchestra was fantastic and their music combined with the precision of the dancers during "run eliza" was spine chilling. I am privileged to have seen this. ... Read more
Martin
Amazing
I really loved this production and couldn’t really fault it the costumes were wonderful and the props though sometimes simple were effective. It was amongst my favourite shows ever and I would love to see it again! ... Read more
Sarah
A brilliant time
Was not sure what to expect from Helen George, but the part was made for her. The story telling of Eliza was the best part for me, very well portrayed and danced. The boat she arrives on was the best scenery throughout the show and I agree the rest of scenery was not as good, but it did not spoil any enjoyment whatsoever. I would recommend to older children who love theatre and of course all adults. At the Dominion, my seat was row G 24 aisle seat and my view was brilliant for anyone wanting to book. I would go again, but it's not cheap.
... Read more
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