The King and I - Review

The King and I has entered the stage of the Alexandra Theatre.

The musical is set in 1860s Bangkok. Telling the unconventional relationship between the King of Siam and Anna Leonowens, a British schoolteacher whom the king brings in to teach his many wives and children. Initially, she clashes with the traditional monarch but over time they begin to understand one another, leading to a deep and complicated friendship.

The cast of this show are truly wonderful. Maria Coyne played the role of Anna brilliantly, bringing a fierce intelligence yet graceful beauty to the role. Darren Lee instantly embodies the character of the King, his performance is powerful, yet there is a vulnerability to it. The pair have an instant chemistry which aids to drive the story forward.

One particularly striking aspect of this show is the music. Songs include the well-known ‘Whistle a Happy Tune’ and ‘Shall We Dance?’ besides many more, some accompanied by wonderful dance routines. This production has always been known for its memorable beautiful score, however, seeing it performed live is remarkable. The joy is visibly clear on Coyne and Lee’s faces when they perform ‘Shall we dance?’.

Another particularly stand-out feature is the stunning set designed by Michael Yeargan. There is such intricacy in the detail and vibrancy in the colour scheme that the stage can instantly transport the audience to the opulent world of the King's Palace. Much of it is 3D, making it feel larger than life as if you have been in the palace the whole time. In addition, the costumes for this production are intricate and detailed. They are beautifully and ornately decorated. These two elements have both been designed with such thought and precision.

But for me as a dancer, what sets this production apart is the choreography. The dance numbers are a vision. Traditional Thai movement and modern dance are blended, creating a fusion that transports and transcends what we already know. I also loved the fan choreography which was charming and playful. Each dance is not separate from the story but adds to the telling of the narrative, particularly the story and accompanying sequence told by the character of Tuptim.

It is well known that in the past the show's depiction of the King and his people has often been criticised for perpetuating the harmful stereotypes that exoticize Asian culture. This production does make some efforts to address these issues. However, this show remains an influential piece of musical theatre that continues to mesmerise audiences nearly 70 years after its debut.

The King and I belongs to the Golden Age of Hollywood musicals. So, if you'd like to come and see the king and I at the Alexandra Theatre Birmingham, then hurry, because tickets are selling out fast and it's only on until Saturday 4th March. Tickets are available at the following link https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/the-king-and-i/the-alexandra-theatre-birmingham/