It’s been a while since I last saw the King & I on stage, I think it was at the Lowry in Salford when it was last on tour, and of course the film I’ve seen many times. Yul Brynner and Deborah Kerr made an impact on me in the 1956 Hollywood classic which remains a favourite of mine to this day. So I had high expectations of this new production direct from it’s run in the West end, and I have to say I was not disappointed.

To set the scene, the musical is set in the Royal Court of Siam in the lat 1800’s, which was a place of opulence, gold, silk and jewels. This coupled with the many traditions of the time was represented beautifully and really set the scene on stage with beautiful scenery, fabulously dressed cast from the King, to his many wives, to the servants and the rest of the cast.

And arriving to this scene is Anna Leonowens, with her young son. She’s a widow and a schoolteacher who has come to Siam to teach the Kings children.

The role of Anna is played brilliantly by Annalee Beechley, who’s singing voice delivers the classic Rogers and Hammerstein sound we all know and love. Her portrayal of the feisty and determined Anna shines as she also captures Anna’s vulnerability and humour with great balance in the role.

Jose Llana brings a great likeability to the role of the King of Siam with his booming voice he marries the petulance and arrogance of the King with his kindness and humour.

The King is clearly at a huge crossroads his life and his reign. As the musical progesses we see that he is determined to teach his children the traditions of the old world while equally encouraging them to learn and embrace the new world and all that it brings.

However, even though the King is keen to embrace the new world Anna is horrified that he accepts the gift of a woman – Tuptim – from the King of Burma. This form of slavery where another human being can be given as a gift and have no voice of their own is something Anna cannot accept.

The thread of slavery and cultural differences runs through this story, and it played out excellently in the second act when the performance of ‘a show within a show’ for visiting British diplomat’s sees Tuptim put on a performance of Uncle Tom’s cabin. This beautiful ballet using traditional Siamese (Thai) dance, masks and puppets is beautiful while taking a tale that is purely American and presenting it in a traditional Siamese way.

The musical’s climax comes with Anna and the king embrace to dance the Polka which leaves the audience cheering with joy, only to be the pre-curser to the bittersweet ending which will bring a tear to your eye.

The songs are sublime featuring Shall we dance, Something Wonderful, Whistle a Happy Tune and Getting to Know you to name just a few and the story and visual spectacle of the show are fabulous. I also think cause it’s based on a true story it really add something extra. If you want to enjoy an evening of pure Hollywood glamour and a celebration of great songs, great story and fantastic cast then this is definitely one to go and see!

The King & I is on at the Manchester Opera House until 11th May 2019 if you can go you won’t be dissappointed!