A SHOW fit for a King - Trafford Margaretians production of The King and I is a truly enchanting experience.
Particularly impressive are the children, led by Allistaire Crossdale as Prince Chulalongkorn and Shaun Kane as Louis Leonowens. In terms of performing their futures look as bright as the oriental costumes and their confidence on stage makes a mockery of their years.
But the performance of the evening comes from Sarah Kirk as Anna Leonowens, the prim and proper governess entrusted with the education of the King of Siam’s children. Sarah is charm itself as the no-nonsense Anna and I would pay good money to listen to her sing a bus timetable. Let her loose on some mouth watering Rodgers and Hammerstein classics and the result is magical.
There’s a natural chemistry between her and Arthur Hulse who plays the King of Siam. When he shouts you’ll sit bolt upright and, as well as portraying the character’s autocratic streak, he’s equally successful at putting across the monarch’s softer side. Yes, beneath that finely toned torso is a big heart.
Choreographer Lorraine Callan has created some intricate dance routines that are sure to fill you with a mixture of awe and wonder.
Without wanting to sound like the proverbial cracked record, I was dismayed to see empty seats at Altrincham Garrick on Monday night. Shows of this quality should have them breaking down the box office door to get tickets.