- Theatre
- UK National Tour
- UK Premiere
- 8 October 1953
- Age
- 7+
- Running Time
- 3hrs (15min int'l)
Overall Score
Rating Overview
Rating Summary
The King and I is a timeless classic, currently touring the UK in its Broadway form you will be crazy to miss it! The tour is currently playing at Theatre Royal Plymouth, and will stop at multiple venues across the UK. Click the “Book Now” button to see where and when this timeless production will be near you next.
Copyright: Cover Photo: Matthew Murphy (Production Photography)
Last night’s performance (19 September 2023) of “The King and I” at Theatre Royal Plymouth was a remarkable journey back to the golden age of musical theatre. This timeless classic, known for its captivating story and memorable music, once again proved its enduring appeal. From the enchanting sets, costumes that are awe inspiring to the talented cast, the production left the audience wanting more.
Annalene Beechy (London Palladium) played Anna Leonownes with such a beautiful edge and had a beautiful voice that made the hairs on your neck stand on end at times. Brian Rivera played the King of Siam with such stage presence and made you at times belly laugh! A cast of well over 30 strong made this production simply beautiful. I lost count at the amount of costume changes that happened. Beautifully intricate.
The heart of any musical lies in its performances, and “The King and I” did not disappoint. The cast delivered an unforgettable show. The chemistry between the two lead characters, Anna and the King, was electric. Their dynamic on stage brought the characters to life in a way that was both powerful and endearing. The vocal performances were exceptional, with each actor hitting the high notes and conveying the emotions of their characters flawlessly.
Elegant Costumes
The attention to detail in the costumes and set design transported the audience to 19th-century Siam. The opulent costumes, from Anna’s exquisite dresses to the King’s regal attire, were a visual feast for the eyes. The set design was equally impressive if not a little lack lustre, we were expecting a little more if we are totally honest with you, with grand palace interiors and gardens created a sense of place and time, but were certainly missing something. The mostly seamless transitions between scenes kept the story flowing smoothly, we had a minor technical glitch at the top of act 2 but it was swiftly rectified by the crew.
Copyright: Matthew Murphy (Production Photography)
“The King and I” is celebrated for its unforgettable songs, and this performance did justice to the timeless music. The full scale orchestra’s live accompaniment added depth and richness to the classic songs, making them even more enchanting. From “Getting to Know You” to “Shall We Dance,” the musical numbers were met with applause each and every time.
Emotional Depth
Beyond its lavish production values, “The King and I” explores themes of cultural clash, love, and understanding. The emotional depth of the story was conveyed with sensitivity and nuance by the cast. The audience was not only entertained but also moved by the profound moments of connection and growth between the characters.
In a world filled with modern entertainment, “The King and I” stands as a testament to the enduring power of classic musical theatre productions. The production at Theatre Royal Plymouth was a night to remember, reminding us why this musical has been captivating audiences for generations. Whether you’re a devoted fan or experiencing it for the first time, like us “The King and I” at Theatre Royal Plymouth is a must-see and will be heading to a theatre near you soon! Not to forget it also heads back to the west end (Dominion Theatre) towards the end of this current UK National Tour.
Copyright: Matthew Murphy (Production Photography)
“The King and I” at brought the golden age of musical theatre back to life with its captivating performances, elegant design, timeless music, and emotional depth. This production is a testament to the enduring appeal of this classic, and it left the audience in awe. Don’t miss your chance to experience the magic of “The King and I” on stage.
The audience were up on their feet well ahead of the final “STAR” bows and you can see why, the entire cast and crew including a stunning full orchestra put their whole into the show and it was clearly visible.
