“We’ve stripped the show back and put in a lot of research”

Director Bartlett sher, 58, is married to actress Kristin Flanders and has three children. With The King and I, i knew i had to get a great cast (Ruthie ann Miles also stars as lady thiang) to make it new. then it was all about the design – i stripped the whole thing back and removed the exoticism that you might expect.

My earliest memories of The King and I are performing it in high school. i was playing a palace guard – because i’m not a good actor and i can’t sing! i never could have imagined that one day i’d be doing my own version.

there’s been a lot of research put into this production. We brought in a scholar on thai history to talk about patrilineal power in the mid-19th century and how the king would have maintained power through his various marriages. it wasn’t so much about the sexual politics – it was more about the fact that you could actually make a map of the country based on where each wife was from. it’s fascinating stuff.

i still remember opening night on broadway. ken got really sick right before – i think he was worn out from rehearsing – and it was questionable whether we were going to make it to the finish line. the funny thing is that i don’t really care about myself accomplishing anything, i just want to make sure everybody’s ok. so when it goes well for everybody, i’m deeply relieved. that’s all i’m hoping for in london.

the king and i runs at the London Palladium from 21 June until 8 September. For more information go to KingandIMusical.co.uk w&h exclusive reader offer: Glass of prosecco included with Band C tickets for £65! Book by 31 March at boxoffice.womanandhome.com or call 020 7492 5393. w&h