Rodgers and Hammerstein's The King and I @ The Festival Theatre

Upon entering the auditorium, the stage appears empty, except for a gong. With a resounding - almost ceremonial - ring of said gong, the overture begins. A black screen rises from mid-stage to reveal the orchestra. Music spills forth from the back of the stage, and, in a flourish of colour and lights, so do the dancers.

This is the beginning of The King and I, created by Richard Rodgers (composer) and Oscar Hammerstein II (librettist/lyricist). The musical, based on the novel Anna and the King of Siam by Margaret Landon, tells the tale of Anna, an English 'schoolteacher', who travels to Siam with her son to teach the children of the King.

Brought to life by a well-seasoned cast, this performance makes for a bittersweet tale that has moments of pure hilarity - most of which involve Anna becoming more and more frustrated with the King's antics. The energetic choreography ties together the music and lyrics, in the same way actions are matched to words in a play. Furthermore, simple yet colourful and remarkably elegant costumes link the cast to their roles; vibrant, bright colours for the people of Siam, red and gold for the King, contrasted by the almost drab pastels of the English schoolteacher and her son. 

It is difficult to find something not to like about this performance by Leicester's Curve Theatre; the musical reaches West End/Broadway standards quite easily, and enjoys a swish of local talent from the children (who went through audition to participate). It is a very enjoyable and a very 'feel good' musical, as most Rodgers/Hammerstein musicals are.