The King and I

Synopsis

The 1951 classic is based on a diary, entitled Anna and the King, which tells the story of young Westerner Anna Leonowens who is brought to the court of the king of Siam to become the tutor for his children. The musical, which was made into a film starring Deborah Kerr and Yul Brynner in 1956, features several classic songs including "Shall We Dance", "Getting to Know You", "Hello Young Lovers" and "I Whistle a Happy Tune".

Our Review:

Vera Newsham - 20 March 2012

The Paul Kerryson directed revival of the Rodgers and Hammerstein classic The King and I opens at The Mayflower to a mature audience ready for a trip down memory lane.

Ramon Tikaram - whose theatre performances include Bombay Dreams and Jesus Christ Superstar Anna - played by Josefina Gabrielle - boasts a long musical pedigree including Chicago, Oklahoma, and most recently Sweet Charity. Carrying her vast, ballooning dresses with utmost conviction and elegance, she sets the bar high with her delightful opening number `I Whistle A Happy Tune. ` She gives a believable account of a feisty English schoolteacher with her cut-glass accent, and her moving rendition of ` Hello Young Lovers` gives the audience a chance to view another aspect of her starchy character.

Complimenting the character of Anna is James Hurst`s authentic performance as English Lord Sir Edward Ramsey. Tup-Tim played by Claire-Marie Hall i...

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