The King and I Tickets and Hotel

The Show
One of the most cherished musicals of all time heads back to the West End this summer. With a backdrop of 1860s Bangkok, The King and I tells the story of British schoolteacher Anna who is brought to Siam by the King of Siam to teach his children and wives. Although at first Anna does not see the King in the best light, having already had him break his promise to her of a house separate to the palace, both begin to learn more about the other and an unconventional relationship begins to develop between the two. The musical features award winning stage actress Kelli O'Hara as the tenacious Anna and Oscar nominee Ken Watanabe as the intimidating King. With favourites such as "Shall We Dance" and "Getting to Know You" The King and I promises to be a night you will never forget.

History of The King & I
The King and I is based on the 1944 novel Anna and the King of Siam by Margaret Landon. The story was adapted into a musical by the already successful duo Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II, which premiered in 1951 at St James Theatre in Broadway. The original cast featured Gertrude Lawrence and Yul Brynner and was an immediate hit. When Lawrence passed away a year a half later the show continued for a further 1,246 performances with other actresses stepping forward to play what was becoming an iconic role. In 1956 the film The King and I enthralled audiences in the cinema, with Yul Brynner reprising his role as the King and Deborah Kerr taking the mantle of Anna. The film won Brynner an academy award for best actor and Kerr won a golden globe for best actress. Since then the musical has had numerous runs in both the U.S. and the U.K. and audiences seem to reveal in the heart and character of the musical.

Why book London theatre breaks to see The King & I
With your theatre tickets and hotel booking made in one reservation, it is possible to save up to 50% with Hotel Direct. Choose one of our great packages and enjoy this iconic musical.

Awards and what the Critics say
"Breath-taking. Remarkable. Exquisite" New York Times
"Splendid! The finest staging of a Rodgers and Hammerstein musical in my experience" The Washington Post
"Five stars. Grand and glorious" Time Out New York