The King's Speech at the Theatre Royal

The King's Speech, the original play which inspired the Oscar ® winning film, is set to visit Bath as one of only six theatres in the UK as part of a short national tour. David Seidler wrote The King’s Speech as a play before it became a film for which he won both the Academy Award © and BAFTA for Best Screenplay. The world premiere stage production directed by Adrian Noble will appear at the Theatre Royal from Monday 20th February to Saturday 25th February 2012.

When King Edward VIII abdicates for the love of Wallis Simpson, his terrified brother Bertie is thrust into the spotlight and crowned King George VI of England. In a time of national crisis a debilitating speech impediment leaves Bertie incapable of speaking for his country on the brink of World War II.

In a room at 146 Harley Street his wife Elizabeth, (the future Queen Mother), has arranged for him to meet the maverick Australian speech therapist Lionel Logue. Breaking all royal protocol, the King and his oddball therapist embark together on an unconventional journey to correct the King’s stammer and help him deliver the radio-address that will inspire his country.

David Seidler’s story about how King George VI conquered his stammer with the help of speech therapist Lionel Logue was one of 2010’s most successful films starring Colin Firth and Geoffrey Rush, winning countless awards including four Academy Awards © and seven BAFTAs.