Following its sold-out run at the London Palladium, the Cardiff performance of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s The King And I was another successful reincarnation of Margaret Landon’s 1944 novel Anna And The King Of Siam, adapted for its first Broadway release seven years later.

The musical’s plot recounts the memoirs of Anna Leonowens, a governess and teacher to the children of Siam’s King Mongkut. Not only do Anna and the King learn to understand and respect one another, The King And I develops into a unique love story, a love that transcends the greatest of differences.

The interview I conducted beforehand with Darren Lee – who plays the King – left me extra eager for the show. There was evident joy in his anecdotes about rehearsing for the part, and his praise for his colleages on the production. Sadly Helen George, the original Anna, had to relinquish the role due to injury; in her place, Maria Coyne took to the stage with so much energy and charisma. Her relationship with Lee was breathtaking to watch. Charlie McGuire performed the role of Louis Leonowens, Anna’s son, with confidence and passion: despite his youth, he really owned the stage.

The stage space was used so well: it seemed like all performers, onstage and off, were having a blast, singing to the songs, and dancing with so much warmth and energy. There were frequent uproars of applause, particularly when the actors had the opportunity to bow to their audience. The set and costumes amount to a celebration of lavish, romantic musical theatre, from a creative team claimed as one of the best in the biz, helmed by director Bartlett Sher.

A full-scale orchestra sets each scene, with a rendition of I Whistle A Happy Tune to open, and favourites such as Hello, Young Lovers, the King’s A Puzzlement, and The Small House Of Uncle Thomas reprising the royal ballet singers and dancers, with a story unfolding onstage. The ensemble was spectacular at keeping up with the plot, the performance was mesmerising; involving such young and talented performers is crucial for the ongoing upkeep of musical theatre.

The King And I, New Theatre, Cardiff, Wed 26 Apr

words MEGAN EVANS