The King and I review by Lynn Carroll

April 20, 2023

Having seen the original film musical version of The King and I (many times) with Yul Brynner and Deborah Kerr in the lead roles, I was wondering how on earth this story could translate to the stage. But, needs must when it comes to entertainment and a fulsome story will be tweaked many times in order to bring it to the stage or screen. Anna and the King, another non musical film version, had an even longer storyline which involved scenes of war, but if asked to choose which I preferred I would not be able to do so, each have their own unique place in my list of film favourites.

But a stage show is a different story altogether and by necessity has to be trimmed to the bone in order to make sense and entertain an audience, who may or may not have seen the films. And it is here that I felt a little cheated, not due to any lack in this production, but my own inability to forget what had gone before.

I found it hard to accept the difference between film musical and stage musical but this did not in any way detract from my enjoyment of the spectacle before me. The team behind this production chose to intertwine the story of Tuptim and her lover alongside Anna’s struggle to take possession of the house she had been promised and the King’s desire to be accepted as a modern leader of a significant country, rather than the Barbarian the west had unfairly labelled him. In the film the young lovers are captured and beheaded by the King but on stage this event was depicted with an announcement that the lover had been found, but was dead, and Tuptim was last seen being dragged off stage with her fate unknown but easily guessed.

The play within the play, where the story of Uncle Tom’s Cabin was enacted, was a treat for the eyes but took a large percentage of the whole without telling more of the story or moving it on. But as in the film it was an integral part of the whole by showing the issue of slavery and getting across to a King, who was mostly unapproachable and whose autocracy was complete, what could not be said in words.

The costumes were dazzling, the sets well presented, the children absolutely charming and the vocals by all who sang were perfection. Many older audience members would well remember the songs from long ago, my personal favourite being Something Wonderful, sung by Lady Thiang, an emotional rendition that brought a tear to my eye. This music by Rodgers and Hammerstein has stood the test of time and even though I was not born when The King and I was first produced by them, I can easily sing the well remembered lyrics, though you would not want to be present and inflict suffering upon your ears if I did!

I am not going to single out any particular cast member for specific praise as it is impossible for me to do so. They all played their parts to perfection. However, it was very gratifying to see Helen George sing and dance her way through this wonderful show, proving that acting is not her only talent. For those who may not immediately recognise the name she is a well loved character in the hit television series ‘Call The Midwife’.

I recently had an animated debate with someone as to whether it is better to firstly read the book, see the film or watch a stage show of the same story. Each to their own I say, but I rather envy my guest who will now have the pleasure of seeing the film version of the King and I for the first time.

Putting aside my own entrenched memories of film versions, I have to say this was a spectacle worthy of the highest praise. One could easily imagine being transported to old Siam with such exotic dance routines and incredible costumes. It will stay in my memory for a long time to come.