The King And I – Theatre Royal Nottingham, Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Tonya Glennester
What can I say about this show, other than it is a must-see show!
Based on the Novel “Anna and the King of Siam” written by Margaret Landon, the story is set in Siam which we now know as Thailand.
We attended as a trio, two of us had seen the movies of “The King and I” and “Anna and the King”, and one of us was a complete first timer to the story, none of us were disappointed.
From the start, Roger & Hammerstein’s Musical score was amazing with an outstanding performance from the orchestra. This was only improved on by the amazing powerful voices of the actors, who each captured the emotions of each song to perfection.
The Music of Roger & Hammerstein has always been magical but listening to it performed live by an orchestra in the theatre just brings it to a whole new level, I literally had chills for some of the songs, it really does grip you.
The costumes where phenomenal, from the traditional 18th century English Fashions that adorned our English School teacher, to the opulent and colourful fabrics of the oriental clothing that represented the traditional cultural clothing of 18th century Siam. The children adorned traditional Jook hairstyles with ornate gold bands around each bun, and bare feet.
The story takes us through many scenes such as the Harbour when our School Teacher Anna Leonowens played by Maria Coyne arrives with her son Louis played by Charlie McGuire, to the busy markets of Siam with rickshaws, various traders and beggars, through to the various rooms and gardens of the Palace. My favourite backdrop/scene was the Garden with all its hanging flower garlands, the lighting setting the mood for forbidden lovers to meet.
Its not very often you get to see another play within a play, but this story has a small adaption of “Uncle Toms Cabin” a Novel written by Harriet Beecher Stower. The adaption is called “The Small House of Uncle Thomas” performed as a Ballet through traditional Taiwanese Dancing, with Narration from the Character Tuptim. The costumes for the little play where combinations of beautifully adorned temple headdresses and Various Khon Masks. We found it completely captivating, and my daughter was mesmerised, something that does not happen often! It was a beautiful little story.
Following from the play is probably the most recognised scene and music of “The King and I” story… “Shall we dance?” This is a song that will stay in your head for life. The moment of Anna teaches the King to Dance, I think this is a moment of realisation for both characters about how they actually feel about one another. Obviously like most stories this is when something disastrous happens to spoil a tender moment, so then all manner of drama and feelings explode up on the stage.
For myself having grown up watching the films I was not sure what to expect from a theatre production, would it still capture the same amount of feeling? And I can honestly say I was not disappointed. There is so much emotion in this story and actors all showed great passion and skill at portraying every moment. The dark horse of the cast I feel was Prince Chulalongkorn, played by Caleb Lagayan, his vocals where outstanding!
This is a story of many types of Love –
From Forbidden Love, The love of Child to a Parent, The Love of Wife, The Love of a Friend, and The Love of ones King. But also, the story of stubbornness along with the ability to change and adapt to new ways of life.
Rating: 5/5
Age Guidance 7+
Tickets £22 -£49.50
“The King And I” is at The Theatre Royal Nottingham
From Monday 16th October to Saturday 21st October
For More Information Or To Book Tickets Visit www.trch.co.uk
Or Call The Box Office: 0115 989 5555
Theatre Royal & Royal Concert Hall. Theatre Square, Nottingham, NG1 5ND
https://trch.co.uk/whats-on/the-king-and-i-23/