An old classic at its sparkling best

THE KING AND I
Oldham Coliseum, to Saturday

To be honest this is probably my least favourite Rodgers and Hammerstein classic, with its hordes of cute children, impossible love affair and unlikely tonnage of incident.

But I confess this Ashton Operatic Society production by Michael Jones-McCaw goes quite a long way towards redeeming things for me.

Turns out I’ve probably just seen a lot of dull attempts in the past.

This is one of those productions — amateur status notwithstanding — in which most things are right; from the simple but elegant sets and excellent band to the sheer pace and confidence of just about everyone present, even the smallest members of cast as the king’s children.

But what really clinches things is the excellent leading pair, Sarah Thewlis and Sam Maurice.

It’s not just that they both managed to get through their lines and hit their marks; both have also created real and enjoyable characters.

Normally the show gets a king imperious and strong, curious but a little unyielding — it’s hard to think he might let Anna get to him.

Anna, likewise, always comes across like a school ma’am, stuffy and Victorian.

Not here: there’s an obvious spark between this Anna — a spirited, feisty woman not afraid to say what she thinks or to have fun — and the king, and it deepens as the show goes on.

The “Shall we Dance” number is a genuine highlight, as much for the joy in the scene as for the underlying romance.

Sam Maurice plays the king like a strong adult with the mind of an overgrown schoolboy, full of inquiry but with a steely determination and wiliness.

Downside? One or two of the minor characters aren’t good singers.

But in all, this is a terrific production of an old staple that brings it back to life.

PG