[Ad-gifted] Run, Eliza, run! Run to The Regent Theatre to enjoy this sumptuous, timeless classic retelling of the multi Tony Award-winning production of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s THE KING AND I.
For me, musicals don’t get much better that THE KING AND I. I have many happy memories of watching the classic 1956 movie as a child on a rainy Sunday afternoon and being delighted by the relationship that develops between the prim and proper school teacher, Anna played by Deborah Kerr, and at the time, a little terrified of the iconic portrayal of the King of Siam, played by Yul Brynner.
This brand new, gloriously lavish production based on Margaret Landon’s 1945 novel Anna and the King of Siam, is brought to the stage by the internationally renowned creative team under Tony Award-winning director Bartlett Sher and stars the West End’s Annalene Beechey as Anna and Broadway’s Darren Lee as the King.
Featuring a world-class company of more than 50 talented performers and a full-scale orchestra, THE KING AND I is a classic from the golden age of musicals – with one of the finest scores ever written with songs including Whistle a Happy Tune and Shall We Dance.
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 and widow whom the modernist King, in an imperialistic world, brings to Siam to teach his many wives and children.
Yes, there are stereotypes – from men’s attitudes towards women more than 150 years ago to the clash of culture between East and West but there is just the right amount of playfulness from both sides to enjoy the story for what it is and delight as the relationships between the characters grow.
Leonowens gives an incredible performance as principled governess Anna and her voice is simply stunning. In her gargantuan crinoline dresses she appears to almost glide across the stage like a Hollywood heroine and she is both dignified yet defiant throughout. Another stand out was Lee as the stubborn but comical King of Siam. They shared a chemistry that was believable and delightful to witness and it filled me with nostalgia watching them playfully interact. Yul Brynner’s are big shoes to fill but Lee fits them perfectly.
While every single member of the cast gave incredible performances, further stand outs for me came from Cezareh Bonner as poised first wife Lady Thiang, and Marienella Phillips as tragic princess Tuptim. Their voices just blew me away. Kok-Hwa Lee who plays the cynical and stern prime minister and Caleb Lagayan as thoughtful Crown Prince Chulalongkorn were also marvellous and added a great support throughout.
One of my favourite moments in the film is when the children are presented to Anna for the first time and my goodness, the ensemble cast of children were just lovely. From their sparkling golden headpieces down to their little feet, they were a joy to watch and really brought the characters to life and tears to the eyes. Max Ivemey who plays Anna’s young son Louis also had remarkable stage presence and a surprisingly powerful voice for one of such a tender age.
Another highlight for me was the ballet interlude in the second half, where dancers in classical Thai costumes reenact the story of Harriet Beecher Stowe’s Uncle Tom’s Cabin to impress a visiting English ambassador. Tuptim’s adaptation of the book is brought to life in an energetic and powerful interpretation to act as a testament to Siam’s civilisation but becomes a metaphor for slavery, abolition and freedom – all central moral themes throughout and out of which the crucial narrative tension comes to a head…
If you haven’t seen the film or any of the TV adaptations that have been produced over the years, I won’t give anything away about the ending but I will say this, you’ll shed a tear or two.
Ultimately, if you like your musicals from the golden era and if you loved the film and have never seen this classic brought to life on stage before, I urge you to get tickets to see it at The Regent. You will not be disappointed – the tale of Anna and the King is as beguiling as ever and you’ll enjoy getting to know it once again. The perfect mix of wit, drama, glitter and classic Hollywood sparkle.
A musical fit for a king.
Cast and Creatives
Annalene Beechey – Anna Leonowens
Darren Lee – The King of Siam
Dean John-Wilson – Lun Tha
Marienella Phillips – Tuptim
Cezarah Bonner – Lady Thiang, the King’s head wife
Kok-Hwa Lie – Kralahome
Caleb Lagayan – Prince Chulalongkorn
Sam Jenkins-Shaw – Captain Orton/Sir Edward Ramsay
Maria Coyne – the Alternate Anna
The ensemble includes Chi Chan, Jeffrey Chekai, Emily Grace-Ling, Cher Nicolette Ho, Rachel Wang-Hei Lau, Daniel Len, Candy Ma, Rachel MacDougall, Amelia Kinu Muus, Yuki Ozeki, Kitt Pakapom, Prem Rai, Ria Tanaka, Hiromi Toyooka, Jasmine Triadi, Jensen Tudtud, Qinwen Xue and Jason Yang-Westland. Harry Altoft, Dexter Barry, Max Ivemey and Charlie McGuire will play Louis, Anna’s son. Bethany Campbell, Coco Bridger, Cody Concha, Ethan Fung, Dulcie-Bella Hackley, Caitlin Lau, Khun Cho Lwin, Angelica Quynh An Nguyen, Tenzin Noryang, Sabri Leonel Puci, Niall Rina, Francis Benedict Sarte, Mia Snowdon, Yuen Zhai and Phoebe Zhao-Welsh will play the Royal children.
How much are the tickets?
Tickets are priced from £13 to £69. Pls check for concession rates for students/U26s, seniors and group bookings.
How do I book tickets to watch THE KING AND I?
Tickets are now on sale and available from the Box Office, by calling 0844 871 7615 or by visiting ATG’s website here.
How long is the show for and what are the timings?
The show will be running until Saturday, 3 June 2023 and has a running time of 2 hours and 55 minutes (including interval time). The shows will be performed at 7.30pm daily with matinee shows at 2.30pm on Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday.
Where is The Regent Theatre in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent?
Piccadilly
Stoke-on-Trent
ST1 1AP
Tel: 08448717649
About Regent Theatre
The Regent Theatre is a theatre in Stoke-on-Trent, England. Constructed in 1929 as a cinema, it is one of several theatres in the city centre and one of two owned by the Ambassador Theatre Group. The building was converted for full-time use as a theatre in 1999, and since then has hosted a number of shows and musicals. The theatre is also the northern base for the Glyndebourne Touring Opera.
Tips / Information
- Masks and Covid passes are not mandatory in the Theatre at the moment
- Ample public car park spaces are available near to the Regent Theatre. The nearby John Street car park is the closest and it closes at 11.30pm while the Pottery Centre carpark charges a fixed rate of £1.50 (after 6pm) and this carpark closes at 12am (midnight)
- Accessibility: On arrival at the theatre there are nine steps leading from the front doors to the foyer. There is a small lift suitable for wheelchairs and buggies
- There is lift access to all levels from the foyer (with an audible announcer)
- There is an infra-red sound enhancement system in the auditorium
- Guide, hearing and other working dogs are welcome in all parts of the theatre, and water is provided for them on request
- Accessible toilets are available
You may also want to read this:
Review: THE BODYGUARD at The Regent Theatre
Review: The Shawshank Redemption at The Regent Theatre
Review: Saturday Night Fever at The Regent Theatre
Photo Credit: Regent Theatre/Johan Persson
* We were provided with press tickets in exchange for a review. All opinions are our own.
25 comments
It sounds like a truly magical and captivating performance, and I’m excited to add it to my must-watch list.
Hope you do watch this Lavanda
I will add this to my list. This one seemed like a romantic love story.
It is but it is filled with so much of amazing music, great costume and fantastic acting
It sounds like a magical show! I will surely add it to my list. Thank you
You are welcome Beth, a show not worth missing
Hands down one of my favorite films growing up. When I was learning piano Shall We Dance was one of the first songs I learnt. This looks like a great productions..live theatres are so much fun!
How amazing, thank you for sharing that. We all grew up watching this iconic show. Hope you get to see the production as well
Such a great show! I’d love to watch this once I get my hands on it. Thanks so much for this!
You are welcome and yes, it is a fabulous show to watch
The King and I is a favorite in my home. It looks like this is a beautiful production. I wish I was closer!
I am sure they would be touring. Do check their website to see if they are heading your way
The King and I is a classic movie and one I remember watching a long time ago. The costumes here are wonderful and the production looks like one I know I would really enjoy!
I agree, I used to watch it when I was young too, the production is as good as the movie!
I saw the king and I on the schedule for a theatre not far from me later this year and I was so tempted to buy tickets. Now I think I’m going to have to x
Yes you definitely need to
Great review! It brought back a lot of my memories when I first saw The King & I in 2012. That was eleven years ago! It was honestly one of the best plays I’ve seen.
This was indeed really good and I totally loved every bit of it
great!! such a detailed review. it seems you enjoyed it very much
Thank you, yes I did have a fabulous evening
The captivating performances and stunning costumes you described truly transport the audience into another world. It sounds like a must-see production that promises an unforgettable experience. I have rea d the book many years ago. Your photos are great. Looks like you got a good seat. 🙂 .
Thank you Vasu, the the performance was really captivating. The photos have been provided to us by the theatre’s PR company as no photography is allowed during the show
I love plays that are about forbidden love! There is just something so wonderful about watching them. This one sounds really wonderful to watch.
It is such a good story even when turned into a play
It sure was a fantastic play to watch, one not worth missing