Review: Skegness Musical Theatre Company performs The King and I

The King and I by Rodgers and Hammerstein was presented by Skegness Musical Theatre Company at the Embassy last week.

This well known and well loved musical is set against the backdrop of the palace of Siam where Anna Leonowens has arrived from England to be governess to the Kings children. 

Despite the initial tensions Anna comes to admire the King and he comes to rely on her wisdom.

Trevor Fenton was an iconic King and Katy Meadows a spirited Anna .  Both gave polished performances.

Jo Fitzwilliams as Tuptim who has been presented to the King as a gift and Robert Harris as Lun Tha who is in love with Tuptim captured the torment of their situation with their beautiful duet I have Dreamed.

Sandra Colman was perfectly cast as the King's head wife Lady Thiang and she delivered her moving solo Something Wonderful with intense feeling.

Peter Blevins impressed as the young Prince Chululongkorn who has ideas of his own as to how a King should rule.

Connor Taylor gave a good  performance as Anna's son Louis, who despite his earlier misgivings forges a friendship with the Prince.

Tony Crowther was a commanding Kralahome and Chris Lilley was the typical English diplomat Sir Edward Ramsey.

 William Heane was a convincing Captain Orton and Joseph Hall stepped with ease into the dual roles of the interpreter and Phra Alack.

The Kings children provided the ah factor, in particular Precious Stewart-Coates as Princess Ying Yaowlak.

There was also an impressive line up of Royal Wives.

There was much to admire in this production with its colourful backdrops, rich and vibrant costumes and attention to detail.

Add to this the production team of director Andrea Hall, choreographer Lisa Jay, musical director Peter Coughtrey-Wellstead, pianist Jane Turner and the orchestra. 

Something Wonderful is one of the hit songs of the show and it certainly was something wonderful.

Review Eileen Chantry.

Click to see the full gallery from the King and I show...