King’s Speech play premieres at Brighton

THE world premiere production of the original play of THE KING’S SPEECH by David Seidler.

David Seidler’s intensely moving play, which inspired the Oscar winning film, tells the story of King George VI, thrust unexpectedly into the spotlight when his brother, King Edward VIII, abdicates for the love of Wallis Simpson. With the help of maverick speech therapist Lionel Logue, King George VI overcomes the debilitating stammer which makes him unable to address the nation at a time of national crisis on the brink of World War II. One of 2010’s most successful films, The King’s Speech won countless awards, including four Academy Awards© and seven BAFTAs, including Best Original Screenplay, grossing over $400,000,000 worldwide at the Box Office.

British born David Seidler is now returning to the play he wrote and from which he developed his screenplay. The play is the result of many years of research by Seidler, who also suffers from a stammer.

Charles Edwards, who recently appeared at Shakespeare’s Globe opposite Eve Best in Much Ado About Nothing, plays George VI. Charles won wide acclaim for his role in the Olivier Award winning West End production of The 39 Steps and later on Broadway.  His film and television credits include An Ideal Husband, Monarch of the Glen, Mansfield Park, Murder Rooms: The Dark Beginnings of Sherlock Holmes and The Shell Seekers.

Jonathan Hyde plays Lionel Logue. Jonathan is an Australian born actor who has worked extensively in theatre, film and TV. Jonathan’s theatre credits include Captain Hook in Peter Pan (Kensington Gardens, 02, San Francisco), Jumpers (National Theatre), Antigone (Old Vic theatre). Jonathan has performed with the RSC, most recently in Ian McKellen’s King Lear, as Kent, and as Dr Dorn in The Seagull, which toured internationally. Film credits include, The Mummy, Titanic, Anaconda, Jumanji and Richie Rich, and his television credits include Spooks (now showing) The Queen and The Return of Sherlock Holmes.

Emma Fielding plays Queen Elizabeth. Well known for her roles in the television series Cranford and The Ghost Squad, Fielding has also appeared in numerous RSC and National Theatre productions and was nominated for the 2002 Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role for her performance in Private Lives. The show then transferred to Broadway where she won a Theatre World Award.

Joss Ackland plays the role of George V, is one of the UK’s most highly respected and much loved actors. He has appeared in over 130 films in a career stretching back to 1949. His stage roles have included creating the role of Juan Peron in Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical Evita, opposite Elaine Paige. He also starred in the London production of Stephen Sondheim’s A Little Night Music with Jean Simmons and Hermione Gingold.

Ian McNeice plays Churchill. Best known for his role as Bert Large in the television series Doc Martin, McNeice is a hugely prolific actor who has appeared in numerous films and television programmes including Jonathan Creek and Doctor Who. He has also spent several years as a member of the RSC and he also appeared in a production of Nicholas Nickleby on Broadway.

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