Rodgers and Hammerstein’s The King and I is to tour the UK in 2023 following its acclaimed London Palladium season and 2020 tour.
The King and I UK Tour 2023
Set in 1860’s Bangkok, the musical tells the story of the unconventional and tempestuous relationship that develops between the King of Siam and Anna, a British schoolteacher whom the modernist King, in an imperialistic world, brings to Siam to teach his many wives and children.
Annalene Beechey (The King and I UK & International Tour/ Marguerite/ Wicked/Phantom of the Opera) will reprise the role of Anna Leonowens, joining Broadway star and film actor Darren Lee (Hackers/Sisters/Chicago/Guys and Dolls) who will play the title role of The King of Siam.
Annalene Beechey said: “I am absolutely delighted to be reprising the role of Anna Lenowens in this wonderfully lavish production of The King and I. To sing such a wonderful classic score by Rodgers & Hammerstein is thrilling. That coupled with a glorious set, exquisite costumes and of course an incredible company of actors and musicians makes this the perfect show to bring to audiences around the country”.
Joining Annalene Beechey and Darren Lee is Dean John-Wilson (London Palladium prodction of The King and I/Aladdin) who will reprise his role as Lun Tha, Marienella Phillips (Henry V/Carmen) who will play Tuptim alongside Cezarah Bonner who returns as Lady Thiang, the King’s head wife, Kok-Hwa Lie (2020 UK Tour of The King And I/ Rent) will play the role of Kralahome, Caleb Lagayan (Les Misérables) will play Prince Chulalongkorn, Sam Jenkins-Shaw (The Night Watch/Jane Eyre) takes the role of Captain Orton/Sir Edward Ramsay and Maria Coyne (Phantom of the Opera/Wicked) will be the Alternate Anna.
The ensemble includes Chi Chan, Jeffrey Chekai, Emily Grace-Ling, Cher Nicolette Ho, Rachel Wang-Hei Lau, Daniel Len, Candy Ma, Rachel MacDougall, Amelia Kinu Muus, Yuki Ozeki, Kitt Pakapom, Prem Rai, Ria Tanaka, Hiromi Toyooka, Jasmine Triadi, Jensen Tudtud, Qinwen Xue and Jason Yang-Westland. Harry Altoft, Dexter Barry, Max Ivemey and Charlie McGuire will play Louis, Anna’s son. Bethany Campbell, Coco Bridger, Cody Concha, Ethan Fung, Dulcie-Bella Hackley, Caitlin Lau, Khun Cho Lwin, Angelica Quynh An Nguyen, Tenzin Noryang, Sabri Leonel Puci, Niall Rina, Francis Benedict Sarte, Mia Snowdon, Yuen Zhai and Phoebe Zhao-Welsh will play the Royal children.
With a superior score of treasured songs including; Whistle a Happy Tune, Getting to Know You, and Shall We Dance, and featuring a company of over 50 world-class performers, The King and I is a testament to the lavish heritage of gloriously romantic musical theatre. The greatest musical from the golden age of theatre.
Producer Howard Panter says: “We are delighted to take this majestic multi-award-winning production of The King and I on a major UK and international tour in 2023. The London Palladium season saw critical plaudits, Box Office records and standing ovations at every show – we were overwhelmed with the rapturous response. Coupled with the reaction to the Global cinema screenings of the film version – which was the biggest theatre event in cinemas of the year and number one at the Box Office. This really is musical theatre at its very best, so we are thrilled that we can now share this wondrous production with theatre lovers up and down the country next year.”
The King and I features music by Richard Rodgers, book and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II and is directed by Tony Award-winning director Bartlett Sher.
WATCH THE KING AND I TOUR TRAILER
THE KING AND I
WHAT THE CRITICS SAID
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“Five stars for a sumptuous King and I. Book Now. It’s a hit”
The Times
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“Songs, sentiment and spectacle. Sher’s production delivers these in spades”
Sunday Express
★★★★
“We left the London Palladium on a bright cloud of music – joyous!”
Daily Mail
★★★★
“Looks and sounds ravishing. Complete rapture”
Daily Telegraph
★★★★
“Simply spellbounding!”
Financial Times
“Without doubt the big, glitzy musical of the summer!”
Metro
The King and I returns to the West End with Helen George and Darren Lee
The King and I 2023 UK Tour Dates
Norwich Theatre
14 – 18 November 2023
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New Tbeatre Cardiff
21 – 25 November 2023
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Congress Theatre Eastbourne
13 December – 23 December 2023
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The Lowry Salford
9 – 13 January 2024
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Full casting announced for Rodgers and Hammerstein’s South Pacific UK Tour 2022
