The King And I

The King And I at London Palladium

Why see The King And I?

Shall we dance?

A Far-Eastern romance beckons between a hard-hearted king and a widowed English governess, in one of the Rodgers and Hammerstein's most beloved musicals.

Following its triumphant UK tour, Barlett Sher's multi-award-winning revival of Rodgers and Hammerstein celebrated classic returns to the West End in January 2024, with Helen George reprising the role of Anna Leonowens! 

What is it about?

Anna Leonowens is a widowed English teacher, who is charged with teaching the King of Siam's (now Thailand) hundred-strong royal offspring. Upon arrival in the country, Anna and her son Louis find the culture overwhelmingly different from their own, and the King himself to be a severe and strict employer. Though their relationship is initially marked by conflict and tension, eventually a bond begins to grow between the King and Anna that blossoms into a mutual respect and later attraction; however, can they both overcome their clash of cultures and propriety for the sake of love?

Getting to Know The King and I - A brief history

When The King and I originally opened in March 1951, Rodgers and Hammerstein both had serious doubts. Originally joking that audiences were only coming to see if it was better than their previous hit South Pacific, the immediate response allayed their fears. The King and I went on to become an overnight hit, and has played to audiences from Broadway to Bangkok, while its film adaptation, famous for Yul Brenner's commanding performance opposite Deborah Kerr in her voluminous ball-gowns, won five Academy Awards.

Key Information

Audience

Suitable for ages 10+

Dates

Finished 29 Sep 2018

Cast

Helen George as Anna Leonowens

Creative

Directed by Bartlett Sher
Music by Richard Rodgers
Book and Lyrics by Oscar Hammersetin II

Reviews

Customer reviews

33 reviews, average rating: (4.5 Stars)

Martin

Amazing

I really loved this production and couldn’t really fault it the costumes were wonderful and the props though sometimes simple were effective. It was amongst my favourite shows ever and I would love to see it again! ... Read more

Jeanette Lipscombe

Excellent

The show was so good. My daughter visiting from the USA said it’s the best show she’s ever seen. Everyone played their part well, and I love the story and music anyway. We went last night and will be going again in February. Loved it. ... Read more

David

Thank you !

Went on Thursday as a Christmas present for my wife. Turned out to be a Christmas present for us both . From the impressive set at the beginning it just got better and better . it was a total joy. Just want to say a huge thank you to all the cast for a wonderful performance . Just brilliant . The Dominion is a great theatre . Tottenham Court tube is outside the front door. The staff aKeats ensure everything is safe, secure, easy and comfortable . ... Read more
All your reviews

News

NEWS, TICKETS, THEATRE & MORE

"Broadway and show news straight to your inbox!"

SHARE THE LOVE