ONE of the most iconic and popular musicals from the Golden Age, The King and I, is bringing a host of lyrical tunes to the Cotswold Playhouse in Stroud, allowing many new and younger playgoers the chance to enjoy them, many for the first time.

Songs, including “I whistle a happy tune”, “Hello Young Lovers” and “Getting to Know You”, brought joy to film-goers in the 1950’s.

Claire Howard now directs a large cast of Cotswold Players in this presentation of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s much-loved musical.

Loosely based on Margaret Landon’s novel ‘Anna and the King of Siam’ it tells the true story of Anna Leonowens, who became governess to the children of the King of Siam in the early 1860’s.

The complex and entertaining relationship between Anna and the King is at the heart of this musical masterpiece, with each being as obstinate as the other. But there is so much more to it than that.

Claire Howard directed the Company’s musical production of Cinderella in 2016 and she describes this new show as ‘a gilt-edged classic with a glorious set, beautiful costumes, luscious music and singing from a cast ranging from the very young to the ‘respectably’ old.’

The King and I opened on June 15 and will run until June 24, at 7.30pm each evening with a matinée at 2.30pm on June 24.

  • Tickets are available on the door or in advance by ringing 0333 666 3366 or online at cotswoldplayhouse.co.uk/tickets.