Every now and then you see a show that just makes you heart soar! I am a huge theatre fan and genuinely love most of the shows I see. They are all wonderful for different reasons. However, the King and I is special. This is a production that doesn’t just get into the mind but the heart.
What Is the King and I About?
“The King and I” is a beloved musical that tells the story of Anna Leonowens, a British schoolteacher who is hired by the King of Siam (now Thailand) to teach his many wives and children English and help modernize the country. The musical is based on the novel “Anna and the King of Siam” by Margaret Landon and features music by Rodgers and Hammerstein.
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The musical explores the complex relationship between Anna and the King, as they navigate cultural differences and personal beliefs. The King is initially resistant to Anna’s ideas, but eventually comes to respect her and her teachings, leading to a deepening of their relationship.
Throughout the musical, Anna also form a wonderful relationship with the King’s wives and children. The show is filled with memorable songs, including “Getting to Know You,” “I Whistle a Happy Tune,” and “Shall We Dance?”
Review Of The King And I
The King and I is very close to its original roots, yet feels fresh and new. At times I forgot I was watching a production, it was all encompassing. Thus felt alive, theatrical, powerful and rather than a set, I felt as if I was watching it on the big screen.
The King And I is overwhelmingly beautiful in an understated way. From the opening scene as the ship rolls into a misty port to the children in “Getting To Know You” and the presentation of Uncle Tom’s Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe. A book about the evils of slavery in America, that felt as if they had incorporated the Ballet into a Hollywood production.
The set was breathtaking, sometimes very simple, but the power of lighting conjured a magic that made it come alive. Coupled with stunning costumes, oh those dresses were the stuff of dreams.
Plus the incredible acting and voices that had you invested into the characters as they made their entrances. It was delivered with a warmth humour that had the audience laughing along and the children were just adorable. Honestly if you are going to see one show in your lifetime, let it be The King And I.
Where Can I See The King And I UK Tour?
The King and I is showing at the Palace Theatre Manchester until the 13th May. With tickets from £13.00 and then on tour at the following locations.
- King’s Theatre, Glasgow, Tue 16 May – Sat 20 May 2023
- Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Tue 30 May – Sat 3 Jun 2023
- Edinburgh Playhouse, Tue 12 Sep – Sat 16 Sep 2023
- New Victoria Theatre, Woking, Tue 26 Sep – Sat 30 Sep 2023
- New Theatre Oxford, Tue 3 Oct – Sat 7 Oct 2023
- Milton Keynes Theatre, Tue 7 Nov – Sat 11 Nov 2023
I was gifted tickets in return for an honest review, see more theatre reviews.
Sarah Christie is a craft, food, cruise, and family travel blogger Extraordinary Chaos, Cruising For All and Mini Travellers. Known for her unique perspective and ability to find beauty in chaos, Sarah designs and creates craft projects as well as creating recipes for people who want to cook from scratch the easy way. Whilst also exploring family travel and how to navigate it.