Review: THE KING AND I, Cinema Broadcast

Nearly seven decades since its debut on Broadway, the classic Rodgers and Hammerstein musical The King and I once again graced the stage of the London Palladium this summer. For one night only, the spectacle will be brought to cinemas across the world - and it's definitely one to catch.

Directed by Tony Award winner Bartlett Sher, this production first opened on Broadway in 2015 at the Lincoln Center Theater, enjoyed a hugely successful US tour, then transferred to the Palladium in June, with the three original Broadway lead actors reprising their starring roles.

The screened version of this year's Palladium run brings a completely new perspective to the show, not only delivering a true reflection of the live experience, but enhancing it beyond any reasonable expectations.

Kelli O'Hara delivers an astounding performance as Anna, capturing the caring and feisty sides to the character in balanced measure. Ken Watanabe's King of Siam is similarly well portrayed, despite his character being, at times, frustratingly difficult to warm to.

Beyond the obvious advantages that a live screening offers, this particular broadcast completely changes Ruthie Ann Miles's Lady Thiang. Where on stage the character seemed more staid, close-ups bring Lady Thiang's youthfulness and insecurities into focus. Though Miles performs with a stick for support - as a result of her well-documented tragic accident in New York - her portrayal really does shine on the big screen.

"Getting to Know You", one of the musical's most familiar numbers, is particularly well enhanced in the broadcast's exploration of the nuanced conversation between Anna and Prince Chulalongkorn.

Michael Yeargan's sets burst from the screen in an array of colour that really bring the piece to life. From the outset, the attention to detail is clear.

Whilst the story - a civilised Western woman travelling to tame 'barbarian' Asian natives - is itself uncomfortable for the more socially conscious theatregoer, it's the casual racist stereotypes used at times for cheap laughs that give rise for concern. The overindulgent "Small House of Uncle Thomas" ballet sequence also fails to captivate due to its length, taking away from the otherwise unimpeded drama unfolding.

These issues aside, the show is a perfect candidate for a cinema screening. The original Broadway production has managed to retain its splendour with a transfer over the Atlantic, but has now done the same in a new medium. Featuring some truly stunning moments of theatre, The King and I will be confirmed as a fan favourite, but will also open itself up to a wider audience.

The King and I: From The Palladium will be in cinemas across the UK on 29 November. For tickets and cinema locations, visit www.kingandimusicalcinema.com

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