Set against a dazzling and exotic backdrop The King and I is the moving story of Anna, an American governess, who tries to help an Eastern king to come to terms with the modern world, but he is unable to resist the forces of ancient customs. The conflict between Eastern and Western cultures inspired this well-loved musical, which has been revived professionally many times and is always a firm favourite with the public. The score includes “I Whistle A Happy Tune”, “Hello Young Lovers”, “Getting To Know You”, “Something Wonderful” and “Shall We Dance?”.

A musical play in two acts by Oscar Hammerstein II based on the novel ‘Anne and the King of Siam’ by Margaret Landon. Music by Richard Rodgers. Opened at the St. James Theatre, New York, 29 March 1951 with Gertrude Lawrence (Anna), Yul Brynner (The King), Dorothy Sarnoff (Lady Thiang) and Doretta Morrow (Tuptim). Opened at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, London, 8 October 1953 with Valerie Hobson, Herbert Lom, Muriel Smith and Doreen Duke. A film version was produced by Twentieth Century-Fox in 1956 with Deborah Kerr, Yul Brynner, Rita Moreno and Terry Saunders.