Call The Midwife star appears in 'The King and I' in High Wycombe

Helen George, who plays Trixie on the BBC drama 'Call the Midwife', has also appeared in 'Nativity Rocks!' and Andrew Lloyd Webber's production of 'The Woman in White'.

George will play Anna Leonowens in the touring West End production of 'The King and I', an award-winning Rodger and Hammerstein musical.

Described as a "gloriously lavish" show, 'The King and I' is directed by Tony-award-winner Bartlett Sher and will feature a full-scale orchestra.

Helen George said: "Theatre is my first love and I am so exscited to be returning to the stage for this beautiful, majestic production.

"Anna is such a strong and passionate character and I'm going to relish bringing her to life every night as well as giving audiences all over the UK the chance to see this Broadway and West End musical on their doorsteps."

Bartlett Sher's production of 'The King and I' made its UK debut at the London Palladium in 2018, to rave reviews.  

The Times gave it five stars, The Daily Telegraph called it "ravishing" and the Financial Times described it as "simply spellbinding".

The classic musical is set in 1860s Bangkok and tells the story of the "tempestuous" relationship between the King of Siam and Anna, a British schoolteacher.

It features a celebrated musical score that includes the songs 'Whistle a Happy Tune', 'Getting to Know You' and 'Shall We Dance'.

READ MORE: Grammy-nominee Robin A. Smith returns to Wycombe Swan

The production will also star Broadway actor Darren Lee in the role of the King of Siam.

Lee praised the progressiveness of the show, which was first performed in 1951.

He said: “Growing up as an Asian-American performer, you know that there is this role, and it sits within the top five to ten shows of classic musicals.”

‘The King and I’ will show at the Wycombe Swan from March 14 to March 18, with Helen George playing the musical’s leading role from March 15 onwards.

Tickets can be bought here, starting at £35.