Reader Reviews
The King and I (The Royal Albert Hall, Inner London)
Back to Show Details| Score | Comment | Date |
 | I’m a sucker for musicals but the reviews of this lowered my expectations, which may be why I enjoyed it so much! Far from being lost in the vast space, I thought director Jeremy Sams and designer Robert Jones has performed a miracle in balancing the spectacle with the intimate and, as they did with the Sound of Music, found the serious beneath the schmaltz. The sound was excellent, so despite the venue size you heard every word (unlike some West End shows!) and the singing and playing was first class. Daniel Kim can’t sing for toffee, but he can act (and fortunately he doesn’t have much to sing!). Maria Friedman was radiant and totally commanded the stage. A very pleasant surprise! - Gareth James | 27 Jun 09 |
| The King and I is a delight. Maria Friedman makes a wonderful Mrs Anna in Jeremy Sams's spectacular production, which includes fireworks, a Turandot-style ballet and Maria's glittering ballgown which must have cost half a million alone. Sumptuousness is the word for it and, of course, The Royal Philharmonic play Rodgers and Hammerstein's beguiling score to perfection. My only quibble is the dreadful seating at the Albert Hall. Fortunately, after the interval I was able to move seats and appreciate this marvellous show in full. Shall We Dance? is sheer theatrical magic. - DJ | 24 Jun 09 |
