In an era when modern juke box musicals seem to be in fashion, it appears that there is still an appetite for some of the classic musicals. The King and I is currently on a successful UK tour which has arrived at The Alhambra Theatre in Bradford and moves on to Hull and later Leeds.
The musical is probably best known from the 1956 film which starred Yul Brynner as the King of Siam and Deborah Kerr as Welsh schoolteacher, Anna Leonowens. Trying to fit into those huge footsteps is never destined to be an easy task, however, Call The Midwife star Helen George as Anna and Darren Lee as the King were both accomplished and admirable in their roles.
A clash of cultures
The storyline is based on true events – Anna and her young son Louis (Ethan Fung) set off to Thailand to become governess to the wives and children of the King of Siam.
The cultural differences between the King and Anna soon become apparent with Anna questioning the King’s morals and brutal ways as he challenges the ways of the modern western world. Eventually their views become reconciled and a friendship develops between them based on understanding and respect for each other. The chemistry between them continues to grow as the performance continues.
Their comic timing and a canny wit contrasted well with the friction between the two characters.
Goosebump moments from Rogers and Hammerstein
Of course, no musical would be complete without memorable songs. The Rodgers and Hammerstein score still has the power to resonate with songs such as Getting To Know You and Shall We Dance which still gave me goosebumps as the emotion in the songs brought a tear to my eye.
Special mention also to Cezarah Bonner as Lady Thiang who performed a stunning and heartfelt version of Something Wonderful – she almost stole the show for me with her excellent vocal abilities.
The ill-fated lovers Dean John-Wilson as Lun Tha and Amelia Kinu Muss as Tuptim gave a passionate and tender version of We Kiss in a Shadow where you could hear a pin drop, such was the enthrallment of the audience.
Bringing the land of smiles to Bradford
The scenery and props brought the warmth of Siam to a bitterly cold and unseasonal night in Bradford – all down to the brilliant direction of Bartlett Sher and his team.
The political, cultural, racial and gender issues might not sit too easily in the 21st Century as when the musical first debuted and might seem outdated, though you have to watch and understand the period in which The King and I is set, to fully understand this.
As one song in the production aptly describes – this touring version of The King and I is something wonderful – long may it reign.
The King and I – Bradford Alhambra – runs until this evening, Saturday 15 April, then moves on to the New Theatre, Hull from 2 to 6 May, and later to the Leeds Grand 31 October to 4 November.
