It's always an exciting occasion walking into a theatre and the anticipation of what is about to play out in front of you.

But even more so when it's a show you've never seen before and have been purposefully avoiding too many spoilers or the temptation of watching the movie beforehand to get some kind of familiarity.

That was my preparation before seeing The King and I at The Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury which is kicking off its nationwide tour here in Kent this week following a sold out run at The London Palladium.

And what a show it is.

This flawless and beautiful production of the classic Rodgers and Hammerstein musical transports you back to mid-19th century Siam.

As someone who has been lucky enough to visit Thailand, the show brings the wanderlust flooding back and I'm wishing I was back in Chiang Mai or Bangkok again.

The bursting soundtrack full of heartfelt ballards mixed in with fun and dancing and comedy are perfectly performed to tell the story of Anna (Helen George), an English widow and school teacher to the many children of the King of Siam (Darren Lee).

Both share the stage for most of the show and their performance together is one of the great double acts culminating with the most famous hit, Shall We Dance.

Best known as Trixie from the BBC's Call the Midwife, George's performance as Anna sees her play one of the strongest female lead roles I've seen on stage – strong, self-assured and willing to stand up for the right thing.

Lee (a star of Broadway – Chicago, Guys and Dolls) gives the stand out performance and not because the King is the best character, by the way, far from it, he is extremely flawed.

The top cast of experienced Broadway and West End actors and actresses add to this incredible display with exceptional vocals from Marienella Phillips (Tuptim) and Cezarah Bonner (Lady Thiang).

Without giving too much away, the touches and nods to Thai culture and performance are brought out fantastically in the 'play-within-a-play' scene of The Small House of Uncle Thomas which brings together the whole cast and ensemble.

It's a production and overall performance of the highest quality with everything from an excellent score, musical performances through to eye-catching multiple sets and a wide-ranging wardrobe of detailed and stunning costumes.

But this is a story about respect, love and equality, all of which resonates as much today as 1951 – when it first hit the stage – and the century earlier it portrays.

I loved it and given the packed house on their feet at the end, it seems like the punters loved it too.

Rodgers and Hammerstein's The King and I at The Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury runs until Saturday, February 11. Evening performances at 7.30pm and matinee performances on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday (2.30pm).

Last few tickets remaining priced £15-£75 available on the Marlowe website or from the box office on 01227 787787.

The production will return to Kent later this year at the Orchard Theatre in Dartford from April 4 to April 8.