David Seidler's original play brings the audience face to face with Bertie, Duke Of York, as he is thrust onto the world stage as King George VI following his brother’s abdication. With the Nazi threat looming and civil unrest at home, royal secrets explode around Bertie as he struggles to find his voice as King.
Charles Edwards gives an astonishing performance as the King who wrestles to overcome his debilitating speech impediment in time to broadcast to a nation on the brink of war. Jonathan Hyde excels as his maverick therapist Logue, making this unconventional friendship between Royal and Commoner both funny and affectingly authentic.
The King's Speech is captivatingly brought to life on stage by an outstanding cast, with a shared warmth and intimacy that can only be experienced in the theatre
★★★★ 'The King glides from screen to stage without a stutter. The cast is superb.'
'Former RSC chief Adrian Noble directs a production that is elegant, lucid and witty.' - The Daily Telegraph
★★★★ 'Charles Edwards, as The King has been edging towards stardom - he has now unequivocally arrived.'
'A cracking good story and Seidler deserves credit for seeing its dramatic potential.' - The Guardian
★★★★ 'Jonathan Hyde is wholly convincing as the unconventional Logue.' - Evening Standard
★★★★ 'A very British love story of stiff upper lip and emotional fortitude.' - Daily Mail
‘For my money, the original play is better than the film: more about Logue’s long-suffering wife, more about the politics, and a fantastic, moving, funny, credible central performance from Charles Edwards tells the story of George VI and how his disabling stammer (and the stiffness of old-fashioned royalty) were cured by a self-confident untrained Australian speech therapist. Beautifully staged, memorable.’
Libby Purves, The Times