Naoko Mori to share role with Ruthie Ann Miles in West End transfer of The King and I

Naoko Mori will share the role of Lady Thiang with Ruthie Ann Miles in the West End transfer of The King and I, it has been announced.

Mori is no stranger to the West End, having joined the original London production of Miss Saigon and her other appearances include Avenue Q and On the Town. Her TV credits include Torchwood and Absolutely Fabulous. She also recently appeared in the film Everest.

Miles played the role of Lady Thiang in the 2015-16 production, winning the Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical for the performance. Earlier this year, she was involved in a serious car accident in New York, which tragically killed her four year-old daughter and caused her to lose her unborn child.

Opening for previews on 21 June, the Lincoln Center production of the show will transfer to the London Palladium after earning four Tony Awards on Broadway. It stars Kelli O'Hara and Ken Watanabe with direction by Bartlett Sher and runs for a limited engagement until 29 September.