Rodgers and Hammerstein’s The King and I: Ruritanian Imperialism at the Lane

This chapter explores the significance of The King and I at Drury Lane, examining the relationship between the production process and the critical reception which brought with it a significant political backlash. This study focuses on two critical points: first, the perception of The King and I as a continuation of the English operetta tradition at the Lane and, second, the political backlash dealing with appropriation and cultural representation as demonstrated by censorship records and public dialogue. The British storyline presented through American eyes raised questions about the role of American theatre at the Lane and in London as a whole. As we will see, the “safe” commercial choice of an American musical import proved to be a liability for Lane management and their shareholders.