The King and I- Dominion Theatre

*This production has sadly now finished its run*

Shall we dance? That famous invitation from Rodgers and Hammerstein is once more being extended to West End audiences as Bartlett Sher’s Tony-winning revival of their 1951 musical The King and I returns to London at the Dominion Theatre, starring Helen George as Anna Leonowens (at this performance the alternate Maria Coyle played this role) and Darren Lee as the King of Siam.

From the opening scenes involving an intricately crafted paddle steamer to the rooms of the King's palace teeming with children and wives it quickly became clear that no expense was spared on the spectacular and often highly extravagant set which was totally fitting off both the period and setting of the story. The same and more could be said about the costuming from Anna's elaborate ballgowns to the traditional attire of the Siamese royal court really convey the beauty and splendour of this piece.

Maria Coyle's Anna had the perfect balance of no-nonsense spirited sharp wit, the courage to challenge the authority of the King himself and a charming sense of strength and warm to win the audience over. Her clear diction and crystal clear voice would do Julie Andrews' Mary Poppins proud.

Darren Lee had all the right elements to pull of the King of Siam's in battle against the historical tyranny he was raised to oversee and his love for Anna and the changes she offers him. This really shines through in his supreme intelligence and command in 'A Puzzlement' as he works through his internal conflict of maintaining his sense of cultural identity whilst taking an interest in the Western values of late.

However, it quickly becomes apparent that the King takes greater pride in his cultural identity than moving with the times through poor Tuptim, the Burmese slave who uses the choreographed drama based on Uncle Tom's Cabin as a commentary for her own feelings. Although choreographically and visually dazzling, this subplot felt a little too long and occupied almost half of Act 2.

Overall, for all the spectacle, spark and passion, The King and I ultimately reaches an slightly unsatisfactory anti-climax yet still manages to deliver without resulting to offensive stereotypes. Shall We Dance? You'd be foolish not to.

Rating- ⭐⭐⭐⭐