I start this review with an apology to anyone involved with the production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s The King and I, which came to Hull New Theatre on Tuesday evening.
I apologise because there simply aren’t enough words in the English – or any other – language, to describe just how good it is.
The King and I comes to the city following a sold-out season at the London Palladium, bringing with it the West End’s Annalene Beechey as Anna, and Broadway’s Darren Lee as the King of Siam.
Before curtain up, we in the packed theatre enjoyed snippets of some of the show’s well-known tunes, played by a full-scale orchestra whose musical talents were an integral part of proceedings.
We knew we would be treated to the complete versions of unforgettable tunes such as Shall We Dance?, Whistle A Happy Tune, Getting to Know You, Hello Young Lovers and Something Wonderful, to name but a few, but it was good to be reminded of such award-winning melodies.
Based on the 1944 novel by Margaret Landon, the story tells of widow, Anna Leonowens (Beechey) who travels with her son, Louis, by boat, to take up employment as the schoolteacher to the many children of the King of Siam (Lee).
The stage setting throughout is absolutely amazing, but this opening scene takes some beating – the huge boat Anna and Louis arrive in Bangkok on, simply splits in two after they disembark, and melts into the background.
It is a while before Anna is introduced to the King, but no-nonsense Anna, who has rooms inside his palace, is soon quick to remind His Majesty of his promise to give her a house of her own.
Meanwhile, her introduction to her new pupils is a joyous occasion – for us and her.
The King is outraged to learn he is being described as a barbarian, worldwide, and when he learns England’s Queen Victoria is sending an emissary, Anna plants the suggestion that he can show he is not barbaric by hosting a European-style dinner and entertainment.
In my opinion, this was one of the most lavish parts of the show with glorious costumes, dancing, music, comedy and drama. And that famous scene where Anna, in the biggest and best frock ever seen in any production, dances with the King to the music of the aforementioned Shall We Dance? is deserving of an Olivier Award.
The drama emanates from two young lovers who cannot be together – Princess Tuptim (Marienella Phillips), a gift to the King from the King of Burma, and her chaperone Lun Tha (Dean John-Wilson).
Their liaison causes massive upset, culminating in a tragedy of epic proportions at the show’s end.
I can’t fault anything about this production; it had everything – in spades. Glorious costumes, atmospheric lighting, magnificent stage setting, rousing music, tuneful singing, dancing and acting were all top-class.
All deserve their names up in lights, but the King’s son, Prince Chulalongkorn (Kitt Pakapom) and the young lad who played Anna’s son, whose name I’m not privy to, both showed an amazing stage presence.
But the Foottit Oscars go to Annalene Beechey and Darren Lee – who were simply perfect in their roles. Those two plus that frock – what’s not to love?
Running until Saturday, May 6th, 2023; 7.30pm nightly with 2.30pm matinees on Wednesday, 3rd, Thursday, 4th and Saturday, 6th. Tickets cost from £19. Call (01482) 300306 or visit www.hulltheatres.co.uk
Reviewer: Jackie Foottit
Reviewed: 2nd May 2023
North West End UK Rating: ★★★★★
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