The King and I At The Regent Theatre, Stoke-On-Trent Review

Reviewed by Lindsay Burton

Being only aware of the gist of the story, I was looking forward to this production as I am familiar with other Rodgers and Hammerstein productions. And like the others, this definitely will be one that I watch again! The all-time classic musical The King and I, winner of four Tony Awards, is pretty much sure-fire to wow audiences everywhere, and Stoke is no exception.

Based on the novel, Anna and the King of Siam, by Margaret Landon, and set in what is now Thailand, in the 1860s, it was always going to be a challenge for Bartlett Sher to modernise the production convincingly but I for one feel like it was done with copious amounts of theatrical passion and entertaining spirit.

A perfect cast of Annalene Beechey, as British schoolteacher Anna, sent on a royal assignment to teach the king’s wives and children, and Darren Lee, as the King, represents the employer and employee warring, yet simultaneously warming to one another. As a widow, Anna and her young son Louis embark on a world tour to become governess to the wives and children of the King of Siam, the storyline is based on true events and set in the Victorian era. I feel that the very talented and experienced Annalene Beechey paid great homage to the beautiful Deborah Kerr (who played Mrs Anna in the 1956’s movie, the King and I – directed by Yul Brynner) but still very much made the role her own in a fantastic way.

In the wake of warming to their new lives, Anna starts to scrutinize the Ruler’s ethics and uncouth ways by scrutinizing his perspectives towards western civilisation, notwithstanding his profound longing to be unified with it. Lee adds an awesome enery to the job of the terribly entitled however in any case agreeable ruler. Beechey in the meantime plays Anna with the perfect blend of tidiness and liveliness.

Concerning generalizations, yes there are heaps of them all through – of ladies, men, and above all of Easterners versus Westerners, with the story’s principal subject being Westerners disparaging Eastern individuals and showing them the “right way of behaving”. However, it is evident that both cultures learn from one another and make fun of the other. “To prove we are not barbarians, they make us dress like savages!” the king’s wives shriek with amusement as they attempt the enormous skirted Victorian dresses famously worn by Deborah Kerr in the 1956 film.

Due to the costumes alone, I feel that this production is astonishing, in particular the lavish outfits made of silks and silks, and the shimmering gold headpieces. Add a spot of charm as the King’s many offspring and vivacious exhibitions from the whole cast and you have the elements for an ideal musical. This creation is a banquet for both the eyes and the spirit. It’s lovely, moving and interesting – definitely one that is fit for royalty!

There are more excellent work to be highlighted – Marienella Phillips as a renegade lover and Dean John-Wilson as a maverick darling and Cezarah Bonner Mori as the ruler’s head spouse. Michael Yeargan’s set design and the UK musical supervisor, Stephen Ridley’s round this production off to perfection.

Rating: 5/5

The show is on from Tuesday 30th May 2023 until Saturday 30th June 2023

Tickets cost from £13.00 subject to a transaction fee of £3.80

For more information or to book tickets please visit The King and I Tickets | Regent Theatre, Stoke Box Office | ATG Tickets