THE KING AND I

Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay

Thurs 9 Jan

*****

Like many of us, my only experience of The King And I was the epic 1956 showstopper with Yul Brynner as the eponymous King, a musical highlight of Hollywood’s golden era. Though I’m a fan of theatre that pushes boundaries, I was hoping that multiple Tony Award winner Bart Sher’s much-lauded revival would evoke much of the splendour of the beloved film version. And I was not disappointed.

The initial bursts of light opera confirmed the spirit of the 1950s Rodgers and Hammerstein was alive and well, and the much-loved comic elements were faithfully brought to life by the superb Jose Llana in the main role. The basic story is quite similar to The Sound of Music, but what sets it apart from other Rodgers and Hammerstein pieces are the Asian influences in the dancing and instrumentation, fused with Broadway energy.

There is so much to love about this show. For fans of the classic film, the dramatic palace setting, colourful, flowing costumes and balletic dance numbers are all present. Jose Llana’s King was funny, awkward and utterly human, bringing a sense of pathos to the role, as the traditionalist’s battle against the modernity of a new era collides with his relationship with the progressive governess, Anna. Anna is played with aplomb by Maria Coyne, the understudy – not that you would know it! Her poise and air of grace worked well opposite the energetic and impulsive monarch.

One joyful surprise was the play-within-a-play, a Siamese dance interpretation of Uncle Tom’s Cabin (a Victorian-era US anti-slavery novel) which, though lasting 15 minutes, flew by in a whirlwind of leaps and kicks, telling its tale of kidnapping, escape and even divine intervention by Buddha himself.

The main show itself is at once both subtle and wonderfully full of dramatic splendour. At three hours, it is long and isn’t as immediate as modern shows like Wicked. But with a score that includes the brilliant Getting to Know You and Shall We Dance, it’s simply irresistible. 

words MAX HARVEY photos JOHAN PERSSON

The King and I is at the Wales Millennium Centre until Sat 18 Jan. Tickets and info here.