TWO local actors have taken on the lead roles in Yeovil Amateur Operatic Society's production of The King and I.

Simon Dunford and Naomi Riglar, who both live in Dorchester, are playing the King and Anna in the stage show, which is at the Octagon Theatre in Yeovil from March 17 to 28.

Naomi has had several leading roles with Weymouth Operatic Society over the years, such as Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady, Lois Lane in Kiss Me Kate and many others. More recently she has appeared with Yeovil Operatic Society playing Maria in The Sound of Music, Michelle in Sister Act and Emma Carew in Jekyll & Hyde.

Simon is paying homage to Yul Brynner, the actor who played the King in the famous 1956 film, by having a clean-shaven head for his performance.

He said: "I think people see the role in an iconic way and it's a very significant character that Yul Brynner made his own.

"People have preconceptions of how it should be played, it's putting my own mark on it.

"The King is a character who struggles between tradition and the new world, it's the inner turmoil he has and trying to make him a fun character."

Simon has been involved with more than 25 major productions in Weymouth, playing such roles as Sky Masterson in Guys & Dolls and Wild Bill Hickok in Calamity Jane as well as directing shows.

The stage show is based on the true story of Anna Leonowens who was summoned by the King to the Royal Palace in Bangkok to serve as tutor to his many wives and children. The King is considered to be a barbarian by those in the West and he seeks Anna’s assistance in changing his image. With both keeping a firm grip on their respective traditions and values, Anna and the King grow to understand and respect each other.

The show is runs from March 17 to 28, with a matinee on both Saturdays.

Tickets are £14 for the first night and the matinees, and £17 for all other performances and are available online or by phoning 01935 422884.