FOR most people The King and I conjures up an instant vision of Yul Brynner and Deborah Kerr in the timeless 1956 movie.
But this of tale of a young Englishwoman brought to the court of the King of Siam to teach his children, was a stage show before it was a film.
Now Rodgers and Hammerstein's favourite musical has been lavishly revived for the stage and, after wowing the West End, it is out on the road and brings its award-winning credentials to Southampton's Mayflower Theatre tonight at the start of a three-week run.
The new touring production starring Marti Webb and Ronobir Lahiri may arrive with a complete new look but its classic qualities and, of course, the marvellous love story it revolves around, remain firmly intact.
First performed on stage back in 1951 when Brynner played opposite Gertrude Lawrence, The King and I boasts a truly unforgettable score, including Getting To Know You, Shall We Dance, Hello Young Lovers and I Whistle a Happy Tune.
Leading lady Webb is of course well known to theatre audiences for her many leading roles in shows like Evita, Cats, Oliver, Stop the World I Want To Get Off, The Goodbye Girl and Tell Me On A Sunday.
The King and I runs at The Mayflower Theatre in Southampton until Saturday, July 27. Box office: 023 8071 1811.
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