An explosion of colour and sound and two wonderfully cast leads, along with heroic stagecraft and scenery, whisk the audience off into another time and a far-off world.
We're often told that this is the true story of the King (played by the excellent Ramon Tikaram), willing to embrace the best of what the West can offer while fearful that it will take away much of what he loves about home.
It takes the guile and rapport of the British school teacher Anna (Josefina Gabrielle) to help him muddle along – and together their diplomacy and tact wins through.
While Ramon is probably best known for TV roles such as Ferdy in This Life and Qadim, in EastEnders, he's a natural in front of the live audience, subtly working the crowd in a not-too-knowing way.
Double Olivier-nominated stage and screen actress Josefina has scores of theatre credits from the regions and the West End and she breathes life into Anna in a performance that clearly won more than just the King's heart.
Aiko Kato, as Eliza in the performance of The Small House of Uncle Thomas, was a pint-sized star, expressive to the point where we were hard-pushed not to share her anguish, relief and joy during the set-piece ballet from Act Two.
Add 32 locally-cast children to the mix and it's an unforgettable theatrical extravaganza.
One of the great Rodgers and Hammerstein musicals, it combines superb music with a strong story and this show boasts some great one-liners from the King which betray his deep wisdom, albeit in a mind constrained by his beliefs and upbringing.
Some of the most colourful stage costumes eased in a traditional Siamese theme, working well with scene changes involving giant golden statues, the all-important throne and a cityscape that made it so easy to lose yourself in the story and its nuances.
The March of the Siamese Children is of course a memorable number, along with I Whistle a Happy Tune and Shall We Dance, all performed with perfect orchestral backing.
The cast are clearly enjoying themselves so much – and their show more than stands the test of time and the rigours of a live performance.
At two hours and 25 minutes long, you'll leave in agreement that it's not over-long, but simply outstanding value and excellent theatre.
