Annalene Beechey to reprise the role of Anna Leonowens in The King and I tour

Annalene Beechey is to reprise her leading role in the UK tour of The King and I.

The multi Tony Award-winning production of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s musical is currently on the road fresh from a run in London’s West End.

Annalene Beechey (The King and I UK & International Tour/ Marguerite/ Wicked/Phantom of the Opera) will reprise the role of Anna Leonowens in upcoming tour dates, joining Broadway star and film actor Darren Lee (Hackers/Sisters/Chicago/Guys and Dolls) who will play the title role of The King of Siam.

Annalene Beechey said: “I am absolutely delighted to be reprising the role of Anna Lenowens in this wonderfully lavish production of The King and I. To sing such a wonderful classic score by Rodgers & Hammerstein is thrilling. That coupled with a glorious set, exquisite costumes and of course an incredible company of actors and musicians makes this the perfect show to bring to audiences around the country”.

Beechey is currently scheduled to perform in Manchester, Newcastle, Stoke-On-Trent, Southampton, Belfast and Dublin.

The King and I tour tickets, dates and venues »

Joining Annalene Beechey and Darren Lee is Dean John-Wilson (London Palladium prodction of The King and I/Aladdin) who will reprise his role as Lun Tha, Marienella Phillips (Henry V/Carmen) who will play Tuptim alongside Cezarah Bonner who returns as Lady Thiang, the King’s head wife, Kok-Hwa Lie (2020 UK Tour of The King And I/ Rent) will play the role of Kralahome, Caleb Lagayan (Les Misérables) will play Prince Chulalongkorn, Sam Jenkins-Shaw (The Night Watch/Jane Eyre) takes the role of Captain Orton/Sir Edward Ramsay and Maria Coyne (Phantom of the Opera/Wicked) will be the Alternate Anna.

Set in 1860s Bangkok, The King and I tells the story of the unconventional and tempestuous relationship that develops between the King of Siam and Anna Leonowens, a British schoolteacher whom the modernist King, in an imperialistic world, brings to Siam to teach his many wives and children.

The production is directed by Bartlett Sher.

The show will return to London’s West End in 2024, led by Helen George.