The King and I

Milton Keynes Theatre, Feb 25 to March 7

If a 21st century production is going to do justice to a 20th century musical that is set in the 19th century, then it’s gotta do it well.

And that’s just what director Bartlett Sher, fresh from his huge Broadway success of To Kill A Mockingbird along with his celebrated creative team have done with The King and I.

Not only did this criticallyacclaimed Broadway hit have a record breaking season in New York, it comes to Milton Keynes from a sell-out run at the London Palladium. With almost more great songs than the King of Siam has wives (and he’s tied the knot many times over) Bartlett Sher’s interpretation of Rodgers’ and Hammerstein’s Tony Award-winning classic from the golden age of musicals is a triumphant revival.

Set in Bangkok in the 1860s, Anna Leonowens, a widowed British schoolteacher, has been hired to educate the children of the King of Siam.

Anna is sweet-natured but spirited and, though their relationship can be unconventional and tempestuous, it is not long before she wins the heart and mind of her employer. But, as a moderniser in an imperialistic world, he is struggling with his own principles and ideology. Performing as Anna, fresh from her West End success, will be Annalene Beechey and reprising his critically-acclaimed USA national tour performance as The King will be Darren Lee.

The King and I features a company of more than 50 world class performers, and songs such as: I Whistle a Happy Tune, Getting to Know You, Hello Young Lovers, Something Wonderful and Shall We Dance.