The King and I - Curve, Leicester

Siam, 1887. Now Thailand. The setting of one of the most loved musicals in history. Yet when Richard Rogers and Oscar Hammerstein II produced the first Broadway production of The King and I in 1951, the setting was completely unusual as the location for a musical and was frowned upon by many. However the duo proved the critics of the day wrong with the final piece, a blend of dance, drama and music, cleverly woven together into a real life based story about an English governess called Anna and her life as the school teacher to the royal children of The King of Siam.

Now nearly 60 years on, this new production at the Curve is as thrilling as the original production and the famous 1956 film version. As a fan of the film, I was intrigued to see what the stage version is like, as with every film adaption, some musical numbers are cut. The other interesting thing about stage shows is how they portray scenes and locations, such as the boat at the start of the play, not with a large, boring set piece but with a mixture of fascinating lighting, projection effects and shadow puppets.

The stars of the show where Janie Dee as Anna and Chook Sibtain as The King. From the moment that Dee walked on stage in her long Victorian gown, she was Anna for me. For those who grow up like me on the film, with the amazing late Deborah Kerr, we have our ideas on what Anna should be like. Dee gave us the sweet, caring governess we know and love but also makes the character strong, determined and, especially in her number Shall I Tell You What I Think Of You?, a little bit cheeky!

Sibtain as the King is a mixture of emotions. One minute a polka dancing softy, the next a whip lashing barbarian. When he’s on the stage, Sibtain owns the stage. His performance is captivating; he does the comedy so funny yet does the drama so serious. That is real talent. Not only that, but his singing ability is very strong as well. He number Puzzlement is an interesting song, part sung part acted. Both in which Sibtain excels. He and Dee come together in the top tapping number Shall We Dance? where they glide across the floor, superbly choreographed by David Needham.

A special mention should also go to Matthew Russell who won the role of Louis out of hopefuls from across the county. He performs his part as Anna’s only son, brilliantly. He also stands up well, like all the new talent, against the pros.

The King and I isn’t the Curve’s fun end of term musical. It’s a dramatic piece of musical theatre, for all ages.

The King and I runs at the Curve Theatre until 15^th January

- Review by Nathan

- Photos by Pamela Raith for the Curve Theatre