The King's Speech
Apparently, the Queen Mother asked that the stage version wait to debut until after her death. I do wonder though, whether she might not have relished it after all, especially if she saw the delight and rapturous applause with which the audience received
WhatsOnStage
Why see The King's Speech?
Stage Adaptation By Academy Award-Winner
A leader is no leader without the words to bring strength, hope and optimism to their people. No story reflects this greater than the Academy Award-winning film The King's Speech, written by the late David Seidler. Based on the very real events surrounding King George VI, his struggles with a speech impediment and a rather unorthodox solution in the form of the outlandish Australian speech therapist Lionel Logue, this stage adaptation by Seidler himself tours the country in 2027, directed by Loveday Ingram (The Girl on the Train).
What Is It About?
Set during World War II, The King's Speech chronicles a personal battle waged behind the walls of Buckingham Palace by King George, affectionately referred to as Bertie by his nearest and dearest. Cursed with a stammer from a young age, the King must be seen to be a strong and supportive sovereign, an antidote to the cruelty of Hitler as he ravages Europe. But the King does not possess the oratory skills necessary to boost the flagging morale of his subjects. Enter Lionel Logue, a tough and no-nonsense speech therapist with some unusual methods. Together, this unlikely duo proves that any obstacle may be overcome, leading to the delivery of one of the greatest wartime speeches ever to grace the radio waves.
Cast
- Stefan Dennis as Lionel Logue
- George Rainsford as Bertie (King George VI)
- Rosanna Miles as Queen Elizabeth
- Lucy Bromilow as Myrtle Logue / Wallis Simpson
- Tim Hudson as King George V / Winston Churchill
- Ian Kirkby as Archbishop Cosmo Lang
- Mark Hammersley as David / King Edward VIII / Stanley Baldwin
Please note: The producers can't guarantee the appearance of any performers on any specific date.
Creative
- Adapted by David Seidler
- Directed by Loveday Ingram
- Set and costume design by Adam Wiltshire
- Lighting design by Hector Murray
- Music and sound design by Elizabeth Purnell
Reviews
Customer reviews
Robert Webber
Better than the movie
The play wasn't just a re-run of the film. It had a slightly different emphasis.
I thoroughly enjoyed the play and so did the rest of the audience. The actors were seasoned professionals and the staging novel.
It could have lasted a little longer. ... Read more
NEWS, TICKETS, THEATRE & MORE
"Get the latest from West End and beyond - straight to your inbox!"
Read how we protect your data .