I am so excited.
If you’re a regular reader of my column you will know that I love live theatre of all genres. I have a top ten list of shows that I want to see again.
One is coming back to the Liverpool Empire, and I am delighted. On February 21, the King and I returns to this magnificent theatre.
Starring Helen George, the wonderful actress who played Trixie in the hit BBC1 series, Call the Midwife. I spoke to her the other day and she is lovely. She’s very excited to be returning to Liverpool as she loves the city and the people.
I first fell in love with this show in 1956, after watching the film version. Did you know it is loosely based on a true story?
Interestingly it was banned in Thailand as it was deemed disrespectful to the monarchy. In fact, the King of Siam in real life had 19 wives – there is a gag there somewhere. I loved Deborah Kerr and Yule Brynner in that film.
Interestingly, Deborah’s singing voice was dubbed, unlike Helen George at the Empire this February. She has a beautiful voice and sings her heart out in this glorious piece of theatre. You’ll be enthralled with the production which is over two hours long.
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With 50 world class West End and Broadway performers, and of course a full scale orchestra.
What we take for granted these days is that some of our big theatres have extended their back stage at great cost so that we can see West End musicals.
I am delighted to say the Empire is one of them. What about Call the Midwife that Helen stars in?
It’s a TV drama that has been with us for a decade, yet this period piece remains as radical and relevant as ever.
If you’ve never seen it, it’s a blend of colourful characters, medical drama and of course, romance.
To Helen and the rest of the cast touring with the show, you’ll be getting a fabulous reaction, but just wait till you perform for the Liverpool audiences – they will blow your socks off.
I know the words to every one of the songs, so I’m going to have to put one of those socks in my mouth to stop me singing along.
The bits in the show that bring out goosebumps are the march of the children, the time the king puts his arm around the governess and says ‘shall we dance’ and I will have my hanky ready for the finale.