The King and I @ The Regent Theatre - Review

A gloriously sunny evening accompanied us for a night at the cultural Quarter in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent. The Regent Theatre. A fabulous venue with a friendly welcome ,invited the eagerly awaiting audience anticipating a show to mesmerise ; and it did not disappoint.

Based on the novel “Anna and the King of Siam” by Margaret Landon, this production by the Lincoln Center Theater Production Company delivers everything one could ask for from a stage musical. Directed by Tony Award winning Bartlett Sher and starring Annalene Beechy (from the West End) as Anna Leonowens & Darren Lee (from Broadway) as the King of Siam, plus a supporting cast of over 50, this multi award winning musical is delivered with spellbinding brilliance . Accompanying the stage is a full scale orchestra who perform the outstanding musical score by Rogers & Hammerstein that includes many wonderful songs such as “Whistle a Happy Tune” and “Shall We Dance”. I have to also mention the singing quality on display was “out of this world”. - utterly pincredible.

Storyline :- Set in the 1860’s , A young ,widowed mother is invited by the King of Siam to become the governess and English teacher to his wives and many children.With an increasing western influence in the Far East and the pending arrival of British diplomats,the king wants his country to better understand the English language, customs and etiquette ,whilst showing his country as one of culture, passion ,beauty and love and not one ran by a barbarian. However the stubborn king and the feisty Anna were to have a clash of personalities from the off. Anna sets about teaching whilst battling against very different cultural and social norms. But it is also a love story on various levels including the love and respect that develops between Anna and her pupils ,the tragic story of Tuptim and Lun Tha ,and the growth of affection between Anna and the King.

The story challenges issues of racism, differing social and cultural views and the challenges of a very strong willed woman fighting back against the misogyny of a patriarchal society..Many of the issues it sets out to address are still very relevant in our modern world. However it does it throughout with a tangible sense of humour interwoven within the storyline . The breathtaking costumes ,the uplifting choreography,the brilliant musical score and the powerful,faultless presentation by the entire cast makes this a “must see” show. A cast that would grace any stage, anywhere delivered a performance of the highest calibre that’s been an honour and a privilege to witness. It is easy to see why this musical has stood the test of time and continues to flourish under the masterful guidance of director Bartlett Sher.

I cannot recommend strongly enough this show as one to see for anybody who appreciates pure quality and the theatre experience.

The King & I is showing at The Regent Theatre Hanley from 30th May to 3rd June 2023 as part of its UK tour.

For tickets visit www.atgtickets.com/Stoke