The King and I review

Director Bartlett Sher has revived a successful run of classic musicals – South Pacific, My Fair Lady, Camelot – over the past two decades, originating at the Lincoln Centre on Broadway and then lingering as London transfers and UK and US tours. Sher’s 2015 Broadway production of this Rodgers and Hammerstein show played at the London Palladium in 2018 to critical acclaim and this iteration, which has been touring since last February, returns to the West End in a strictly limited run.

Touching on themes of colonialism, race and the role of women in society in a broad-strokes musical might be considered problematic. But as with many of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s best-loved works, it’s these more complex elements, tackled alongside an unorthodox romance, that give this show its backbone. Sher’s production somewhat dials down the pageantry and focuses on the human relationships that develop when, in 1862, British widow Anna Leonowens takes up the position of governess to the children of the King of Siam.

Helen George, best known from the BBC’s Call the Midwife, tackles the role of Anna with aplomb, making light work of Hello Young Lovers and negotiating the lesser-known recitative Shall I Tell You What I Think of You? with steely confidence. Darren Lee immediately dismisses all thoughts of Yul Brynner’s iconic performance on stage and film, finding humour and humanity in the role of the King. There’s a warmth to Lee’s interpretation that chimes perfectly with George’s cut-crystal delivery, amplifying the clash of cultures that underscores the narrative.
Continues...