The Kings Speech

“The King's Speech,” is best known as a 2010 Academy Award-winning film, written by David Seidler, starring Colin Firth and Geoffrey Rush. Seidler, did ask permission from the Royal family to publish his work, specifically Elizabeth the Queen Mother who asked him to wait until after her death, with which he duly complied. However, Seidler had originally planned the work to be a stage production, and the success of the film encouraged producers to bring the story to the stage as originally intended, making its Premiere in February 2012 at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre followed by a short UK tour. The play then made its West End premier at the Wyndham's Theatre in March 2012.

The narrative centres on the Duke of York, Prince Albert, the second son of King George V, affectionately known as 'Bertie' to his family. Bertie did not anticipate or wish to ascend to the throne, as he had an elder brother, the Prince of Wales 18 months older who was affectionately known as David, so after the death of his father, David, became Edward VIII. However, Edward’s determination to marry Wallis Simpson, a twice-divorced American, prompts a constitutional crisis during a tense and dark period in history marked by Hitler’s rise to power along with the rise of fascism in Germany and Hitler’s threats to invade Czechoslovakia and then Poland, there was also talk of war with Germany. Due to the crisis this era presents significant challenges for Bertie, who is called upon to deliver more public addresses, thereby exposing the speech impediment and stutter he had faced since childhood. Apprehensive about the possibility of becoming king, Bertie initially seeks assistance from various sources without success, until the Duchess, his wife Elizabeth, consults Lionel Logue asking for help, an Australian aspiring actor and self-taught speech therapist. Ultimately, when Edward chooses to abdicate the throne rather than continue without the woman he loves, Bertie becomes King George VI and is thrust into a role in life he neither sort after nor wanted. The play follows the relationship between Bertie and Logue and offers a compelling exploration of the royal household, political figures, and the church, all bound by tradition and societal convention. It examines attitudes towards class and propriety within British society, juxtaposing these norms with Logue's informal and pragmatic approach to both life and therapy.

Director Margaret Mann had the daunting task of finding actors who could measure well against Colin Firth and Geoffrey Rush, thankfully, Margaret was able to put together a strong cast and managed to bring out the wonderful chemistry between the two leads which was very important for the success of this production, the dynamic was tense at times but also moving as both characters developed a remarkable dependent friendship. Both actors upheld the excellent performance standards seen in the film, they were Andrew Sloman who gave a nuanced performance as Bertie, convincingly portraying his stammer and inner turmoil, at times sounding uncannily like the recordings of George VI. Giles Davidson as Lionel Logue, authentically captured the character who, had his own demons, delivering a consistent Australian accent and though free from royal constraints, adhered firmly to his own principles even when challenged by royalty. Although the narrative centres around these two characters there are other roles important to the story such as Cate Leight who successfully captured the resilient character of Elizabeth, Duchess of York, Bertie’s loyal and supportive wife, who found Logue for Bertie when they thought they were running out of options, and she was instrumental in encouraging Bertie’s personal growth. Lisa Tatler delivered a nice confident performance as Myrtle Logue, who was also a good understanding supporter for her husband. Both these couples expertly produced convincing relationships.

The lead characters were  supported by all the remaining cast who produced strong performances and good characterisations, they were Richard Michell as David (Edward VIII),  Bertie’s elder brother who lived a playboy lifestyle  and appeared not to fully understand the responsibility and seriousness of the position he was destined to inherit, he also teased Bertie copying his stutter, Ed Davises gave us an imposing King George V and Neville Chamberlain, while Les Gomersall was a comedic and pompous Cosmo Lang, Archbishop of Canterbury. Jonathan Elliott played Prime Minister Stanley Baldwin, who was a central figure in the abdication crisis and on who’s shoulders rested a monumental decision, while TJ Hilton was Winston Churchill who had some nice comedic lines and Helene Griffiths portrayed Wallis Simpson. Also, we must not forget Dave Cox dressed in his full regalia as the Royal Herald and the voice of Jeremy Myers as the BBC News Reader. All the cast produced good diction meaning the dialogue was heard and the story could be followed easily.

There was no constructed set or scenery; instead, a backdrop displayed projected images of the setting for each scene, including the refined interiors of Buckingham Palace. Additionally, actual footage and audio recordings of Adolf Hitler’s speeches and rallies were incorporated, which proved to be both impactful and unsettling, effectively highlighting the political tensions characteristic of the era. Congratulations to Sound: David Proffitt, VFX: Scott Crawford, and Lighting: Neil Langridge, Michele Martin, and Alan Gosling.

Some thought and hard work must have gone into sourcing the period props like records, microphones, and gramophones which supported the theme of broadcasting and public speaking. Stage Manager Pete Beswick and the crew handled frequent scene changes quietly and efficiently. However, just to be constructive I noted that bringing furniture on stage such as chairs and tables for short scenes did slow down the pace of the play at times, so maybe just having the actors stand while using lighting  and the photograph backdrop for emphasising the setting of the scene may have help with the flow of the production, also on a personal note as a hearing aid user, I found some cast members' shoes rather noisy which were distracting as they walked about the stage. The costumes were of high quality, with military uniforms that appeared authentic and women's attire accurately reflecting the historical period. These details contributed significantly to the overall authenticity of the production.

This production of The King’s Speech delivered a compelling theatrical experience, featuring notably strong performances and conveying an important message about self-confidence. Beyond its entertainment value, the play offered historical perspective on a critical era when the nation faced considerable challenges. In light of recently uncovered information regarding Edward's sympathies and actions during his lifetime, personally I feel it was fortunate that Bertie served as King throughout this period of national uncertainty.

Thank you for a lovely evening's entertainment.

 

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