BEFORE even stepping into the auditorium to watch the The King and I at Llandudno's Venue Cymru, I knew we were in for a treat.
We'd met a couple as we were going into the lift and a woman asked "are you going up to the theatre?" In which I nodded. She smiled, paused and whispered with sparkly eyes - "It's wonderful."
And it was wonderful. As we waited for The Lincoln Center production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s King and I to start, the curtains shimmered as they were softly lit up in colours, and the orchestra began to play a medley of songs from the score.
Helen George, best known for playing Trixie Franklin in the BBC series Call The Midwife, starred as Anna Leonowens - A Welsh-born widow from Victorian England who has been engaged by the King of Siam (Darren Lee) as teacher to the royal children and his many wives. Anna arrives in Bangkok from Singapore with her son Louis on a vast and imposing boat and it's not long before audiences hear George sing for the first time 'I Whistle a Happy Tune'. Her voice is beautiful.
The story is set in 1862. The king and Anna clash; their cultural differences and personalities create friction. The king knows he has to reconnect himself to the west and to assimilate to the modern world without becoming colonised and without forsaking traditional values he holds most dear.
Lee is superb as the king. He is becomes the character entirely. He has a rich, powerful voice and his comedic timing is flawless 'etc etc'. His naughty wit and charm captivated the audience. The chemisty between George and Lee shines through. George commits to the role of strong-willed Anna and the deep but complicated friendship that develops between the characters feels very real.
The production, directed by Bartlett Sher, is lavish but minimalist at the same time. The backdrop doesn't distract you from the story which is told seamlessly or take anything away from the multi-talented cast.
A highlight for me was the story of forbidden love between Tuptim (Marienella Phillips) and Lun Tha (Dean John-Wilson). 'We Kiss in a Shadow' is exquisitely sung and the staging is beautifully lit. Also exceptional is the re-telling of Harriet Beecher Stowe’s novel, Uncle Tom’s Cabin (The Small House of Uncle Thomas). Cezarah Bonner is superb as Lady Thang, the king's head wife. Her performance is incredibly moving and her portrayal of a sweet-natured woman who is devoted to her husband is felt. Bonner's voice is also impeccable.
RELATED STORIES
Caleb Lagayan was most impressive as Prince Chulalongkorn. The fear about his future role - his awareness, his uncertainty, his loyality to his father, is perfectly captured and he brings much depth to the character.
The audience gave the performance a standing ovation.
My mum said to me - 'I'd happily watch the whole show again tomorrow. It was wonderful.'
Wonderful. That word again. And that is what it is - 'Something Wonderful'.
The King and I is at Venue Cymru until March 11. Visit the Venue Cymru website to book tickets or telephone the box office 01492 872000.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here