Red Bus Londinium Life

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The King and I (touring) is now playing at the Dominion Theatre where it offers a traditional staging of this Rodgers and Hammerstein musical

Led by Helen George (of Call the Midwife fame) and Darren Lee (an experienced “King”), the performance ably presents the story. All of the cast are strong singers. There is, however, little verve or flair.

The choreography, especially of the children, is lacking in movement and underutilised. The set too seems underwhelming with little sense of a lavish palace. Jokes around George’s hoop skirt are at first funny and then overplayed.

The most inspired choreography is a ballet version of Uncle Tom’s Cabin and this hints at excitement we could perhaps have had in the rest of the show.

The story itself is somewhat dated and looks at Siam (now Thailand) and its traditions through a very western lens which feels somewhat uncomfortable today. George’s character, Anna Leonowens, at that time would have undoubtedly found her British ways superior (even though the real life Leonowens had much exaggerated her status in society).

But watching a white woman train an Asian king how to not seem a barbarian (by dressing his court in western clothes) is problematic in 2024.

That said, much of the audience seemed satisfied with this nostalgic trip down musical memory lane.

Have others seen The King and I? What were your thoughts?