‘Etc Etc, Etc…’ The King and I, Orchard Theatre, Dartford. 05.04.2023

Returning back to the Orchard Theatre, for a classic but for me it was brand new. On the day that the production announced its return to the West End, it was time to see Roger’s and Hammerstein’s The King and I.

The King and I is the Fifth production of Roger and Hammerstein, it tells the story of Anna, a widowed British schoolteacher who is hired by the King of Siam, to help modernise his country and educate his many wives and children. There, she clashes with the stubborn and traditional monarch but towards the end they both come to understand and appreciate their cultural differences, which leads to a more deep and complicated friendship. Described by many as one of the greatest musical from the golden age of musicals, which gives you one of the finest scores ever written including ‘Whistle a Happy Tune’ ‘Getting to Know You’ and ‘Shall We Dance.’

Their supporting cast, all were fantastic. The kings many wives and children were all a joy to watch. A particular scene I have to mention is ‘The Small House of Uncle Thomas (Ballet) where the ensemble and dancers blew everyone away with choreography by Jerome Robbins and Christopher Gattelli. Traditional and just wow, from every step, jump and spin. It had the audience mesmerised.

I was going into this production with little knowledge, but came out completely in love with the show and I fully understand why it is a classic. The whole musical is outstanding, you will laugh, you will shed a tear but one thing you will definitely have is a great night out at the theatre.

From the very start this production is stunning, thanks to an impressive touring set from the kind of Michael Yeargan and the gorgeous costumes by Catherine a Uber, that are jaw dropping beautiful – especially Anna’s many dresses. I noticed there was much use of long train, which the characters loved to swish around the stage, making the costumes characters in themselves, it became visually stunning to watch!

The cast were not overshadowed by their costumes, Helen George steps into the role of Anna George and from the very start her presence is glowing on stage, she was a joy to watch and the audience instantly warmed to her. With her voice hitting every note perfectly with each song, and her cheeky comic side displayed wonderfully especially during her rendition of ‘Shall I Tell You What I Think of You’. Her love for the children and wives was excellently clear but, her partnership with the King played by Darren Lee was such a joy to watch as so many emotions by both throughout the story were so beautifully done. Darren Lee was a strong yet misunderstood King, which was shown through on stage, he displayed clearly all the emotions that King from strong and powerful to misunderstood and unsure. What was clear was the love he grew towards Anna, that showed the audience he does have a heart.

On another side of the story was a forbidden love, played by Marinella Phillips and Dean John-Wilson their duets were warming to the ears and both their voices complimented each other so well that you wished to hear more from them. Their love for one an other was also displayed through these duets, and your heart broke when their conclusion came to light.

Playing at the Orchard Theatre until Saturday 8th April, the show itself is pretty well sold. But there may be a few tickets here. It will then continue on its tour before returning to the West End at the Dominion Theatre, for all information head here.