Theatre review: The King and I

Alexandra Theatre - June 21 to July 2

RODGERS and Hammerstein's memorable musical masterpiece about a head-strong English school mistress and the powerful King of Siam wowed the audience at Birmingham's Alexandra Theatre.

It's a case of feudal Orient and sophisticated Europe clashing, when strong willed teacher Anna (played by Elizabeth Renihan) and the King (Kevin Gray) collide in the 18th century Bangkok.

Despite the massive cultural gap that divides the determined pair, they soon realise they are more alike than they care to mention and more than a mutual respect grows.

Any production of the King and I is going to be compared to the cinematic version, which was powered along by Yul Brynner's outstanding portrayal of a proud king doing his best to cope in a changing world.

To his credit Gray, who is only one of three actors to perform the role on Broadway, lights up the stage as the loud and obnoxious King, with great comic timing and exuberance.

While the King dominates, the rest of the cast, including some fine performances by the children, also do an admirable job of injecting some spark into classic songs.

Renihan is excellent as the worthy Anna, but the golden voiced Gina Respall, playing the King's first wife Lady Thiang eclipses her.

The production takes time to warm up in the first half, but is kick started by the brilliant Uncle Tom, scene, this reviewers favourite part.

Fans of the movie won't be disappointed by this production, which still sparkles with Rodgers and Hammerstein's musical magic.

Peter McKinney