Rodgers and Hammerstein's classic musical The King and I  has a long and rich history dating back to 1813 with the birth of Anna Leonowens. Her memoir, ‘The English Governess at the Siamese Court’ documented her time spent in Siam, tutoring the children of King Mongkut, and was later fictionalized in the form of Margaret Landon’s best-selling novel, Anna and the King of Siam. 

A timeless story of love, connection and understanding as well as identity and a collision of cultures, The King and I has experienced an abundance of revivals and adaptations, the latest of which is currently playing at London’s Dominion Theatre, starring the phenomenal Helen George. She is, however, far from the only star that has taken on the iconic role, so stick with us as we explore some of the famous faces, both past and present, who have embodied the illustrious Anna. 

Whether you’re a theatre connoisseur or a casual attendee, there’s a name that every musical lover knows by heart, even if they don’t know its history. Synonymous with unprecedented triumph and success, that name is none other than Rodgers and Hammerstein. A partnership unlike anything else that had come before it and an undeniable legacy left behind, Rodgers and Hammerstein are like the Madonna (or The Beatles, but we know who we prefer) of musical theatre; they have reshaped the landscape of the musical completely while taking the art form to new and soaring artistic heights. 

The King and I, among their many masterpieces, deals delicately with cultural explorations and has left a lasting impact on the world all these years later. Here’s why.

It’s the start of a new week, a new month, and a new year, and we have a whole host of new shows to look forward to!

With themes of censorship, family estrangements, blackmail, and revolution, 2024 is shaping up to be a very diverse year for London theatre indeed, and it’s only just getting started! If the remaining eleven months are as exciting as the first (and with The Devil Wears Prada, Mean Girls the Musical and MJ the Musical coming up this year, we feel like they might) then we have a real doozy of a year ahead of us. Take a look at what’s on in the West End this month and add them to your 2024 bucket list! (or bucket and spade list in the case of The Hills of California’s postcard to Blackpool…)

Cruel Intentions: The 90s Musical (11 January)

New year, same fear that time is passing at an alarming rate? Then let Cruel Intentions transport you back to the comforting world of the 90s. The sexy yet sinister show is jam packed with the decades much loved anthems including TLC ‘No Scrubs’, *NSYNC ‘Bye Bye Bye,’ and R.E.M. ‘Losing My Religion.’ (Just listing the songs has made us nostalgic for the squeaks of our Argos inflatable sofa as we chilled listening to these tunes).

Popular, powerful, and pretty stinking rich, deadly stepsibling duo, Sebastian and Katyhryn, are used to getting what they want. No matter the cost. In a cold-hearted bet, Kathryn forces her brother to seduce the headmaster’s daughter Annette, a naïve and squeaky-clean girl who is adamant to remain a virgin until marriage. Weaving a web of temptation in the hopes to trap the innocent teenager, the pair hatch a plan to destroy her and anyone else who dares to get in their way. However, when they find themselves falling for their own lies, their actions turn the entire high school on its head and the consequences are explosive.

Cirque du Soleil: Alegría (11 January)

The internationally renowned company make their much-anticipated return to the West End! With scorching batons and dazzling acrobatic opulence, the 25th anniversary of Alegría: In a New Light guarantees to make those dark January nights that much brighter!

The once-magnificent kingdom of Alegría is in free fall after the death of their King. The countries youth seek hope and resurgence in their new landscape; however, the old order is adamant that the realms tired traditions and strict rules are upheld. A desire for change is growing in the streets, and soon even the court jester is vying for the throne. The empires residents must bind together to defy the status quo and bring joy to the world once again.

Accompanied by a thunderous live score, Alegría: In a New Light, is an immersive experience infused with a magical spirit, thrilling acrobatics, surreal costumes, and playful humour.

The King and I is setting sail for the West End. Inspired by real-life experiences, this story of East meets West unfolds through the eyes of Anna, an independent and fierce British widow who is tasked with introducing the royal family of Siam to Western customs. However, she finds herself torn between her own beliefs and the deeply ingrained traditions of the king's society.

It is a musical that defined an era. In this interview, we catch up with Darren Lee, who portrays the King, to hear all about this epic musical classic. 

The King and I is more than just a musical, it is a love letter to cultural acceptance. Following its 1951 Broadway premiere and countless revivals over the years, this beloved show explores the heartfelt journey of a fearless English governess, known as Anna, as she sets sail for Siam during the 1860s, to escape her past and better her future. 

Woven from a tapestry of culture, romance and acceptance - The King and I ignites the heart and brings tears to the eyes. So, pack your bags for Siam…here are 5 reasons why you should see The King and I!

Rodgers and Hammerstein’s timeless, golden-age classic The King and I is setting sail to the Dominion Theatre! Headed by Call the Midwife star Helen George, this royal, multi-award-winning production has already captured the hearts of audiences across the UK and will commence its West End performances on January 20th 2024! In this stunning story of East meets West, a world of tradition, love and politics awaits. Book your tickets today!

Happy Anniversary to The King and I! The multi-award winning Rodgers and Hammerstein musical opened on Broadway at the St James’ theatre on March 29 1951 and has been adored by audiences for 72 years. The spectacular show is currently touring the UK and stars Helen George as Anna. Book your tickets today to see one of the greatest shows from the golden age of musicals.

Since the 1952 premier of Rodger & Hammerstein’s The King and I, the tempestuous relationship presented between a widow and a monarch has served as the background for one of the world's most beloved love stories. With themes of prejudice and identity, The King and I is a universally adored and Tony award-winning production. Recently, further casting has been announced for The King and I, with Call The Midwife’s Helen George being joined by Broadway star and film actor Darren Lee! Book your tickets today to see Helen George and Darren Lee in The King and I at the New Wimbledon Theatre and other locations on its UK and Ireland Tour!

Are you a big West End theatre buff? Think you know everything there is to know about The King and I? Well, there's no better time than now to brush up on you King and I knowledge as the fifth musical by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II returns to the London stage this May! Put your skills to the test and read our list for the Top 10 Facts About The King and I below! You may be surprised by what you find...