The multi Tony Award-winning production of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s The King and I will delight audiences when it comes to Mayflower Theatre from Tuesday 13 to Saturday 17 June.
Set in 1860s Bangkok, The King and I tells the story of the unconventional and tempestuous relationship that develops between the King of Siam and Anna Leonowens, a British schoolteacher whom the modernist King, in an imperialistic world, brings to Siam to teach his many wives and children.
The King and I is a sumptuous, timeless romance from the golden age of musicals, adored by the public and critics alike – and boasting one of the finest scores ever written, including Whistle a Happy Tune, Getting to Know You, and Shall We Dance.
Seasoned musical theatre star, Annalene Beechey, takes on the role of Anna, alongside Broadway star and film actor, Darren Lee as the king of Siam.
“I was, and still am, very honoured to play this role,” explains Annalene. “It’s a Rodgers and Hammerstein classic musical and Bartlett Sher’s Tony Award winning Production is simply beautiful.
“Anna has a wonderful journey throughout this show, she’s tough, feisty, funny, warm and believes so passionately in the power of knowledge. She also has the most beautiful songs – vocally and lyrically.
“Although, I was also maybe a little worried about dancing the polka in that huge skirt!
“You stop and it keeps moving. And it’s very heavy, almost twenty kilos in weight!
This gloriously lavish production is brought to the stage by an internationally renowned creative team under Tony Award-winning director Bartlett Sher, and will feature a world-class company of talented performers and a full-scale orchestra.
“There is so much to enjoy with this production,” continues Annalene.
“It’s heart wrenching, funny, intimate, passionate, and opulent – but at its heart it’s simply an extraordinary true story of the King of Siam and an English schoolteacher.”
Tickets for The King and I (13 – 17 June) are on sale at mayflower.org.uk or 02380 711811.
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