The King’s Speech – the play from which the Oscar-winning movie that starred Colin Firth and Geoffrey Rush was adapted – will set out on its first national tour in 2015.
Starring Raymond Coulthard as King George VI and Jason Donovan as his Australian speech therapist Lionel Logue, the production will be supported by a fine acting company under the direction of Birmingham Rep’s Artistic Director Roxana Silbert. The production opens at Chichester Festival Theatre on Thursday 5th February 2015.
The play tells the iconic story of King George VI’s relationship with his speech therapist, as the country stands on the brink of World War II. It enjoyed an acclaimed West End season in 2012.
1936: King Edward VIII has abdicated for the love of Wallis Simpson. Bertie, his brother, is crowned King George VI of England. At an office in Harley Street in London, Bertie and his wife Elizabeth (the future much-loved Queen Mother) are meeting Australian maverick speech therapist and failed actor, Lionel Logue. With the support of his wife, Bertie and Logue embark on an extraordinary journey to overcome his stammer and deliver the now iconic speech broadcast across the globe to inspire his people.
Jason Donovan plays Lionel Logue, the unconventional Australian speech therapist that coaches the King to deliver his momentous speech. His theatre credits include Sweeney Todd, The Sound of Music, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Priscilla Queen of the Desert.
Jason Donovan said: ‘I am really looking forward to starting rehearsals for The King’s Speech and getting into the character of Logue. He was such an interesting and remarkable Australian, who achieved so much in a very challenging situation and I think he will be fascinating to play.’
Raymond Coulthard plays King George VI. His extensive theatre credits include most recently Heartbreak Hotel at Chichester Festival Theatre, The Heresy of Love and Measure for Measure for the RSC and Women Beware Women at the National Theatre. On televison, he is best known for playing the role of Miles Egerton in ITV’s Mr Selfridge on ITV and played James Schofield in Hotel Babylon on BBC.
Further casting to be announced.
The King’s Speech – 2015 Tour Dates:
Thursday 5 – Saturday 14 February
CHICHESTER FESTIVAL THEATRE
Box Office: 01243 781321
cft.org.uk
Wednesday 25 February – Saturday 7 March
BIRMINGHAM REPERTORY THEATRE
Box Office: 0121 236 4455
birmingham-rep.co.uk
Monday 9 – Saturday 14 March
CAMBRIDGE ARTS THEATRE
Box Office: 01223 503333
cambridgeartstheatre.com
Monday 16 – Saturday 21 March
GLASGOW THEATRE ROYAL
Box Office: 0844 871 7627
atgtickets.com/theatre-royal-glasgow
Monday 30 March – Saturday 4 April
MANCHESTER OPERA HOUSE
Box Office: 0844 871 3018
atgtickets.com/opera-house-manchester
Tuesday 7 – Saturday 11 April
NEW VICTORIA THEATRE, WOKING
Box Office: 0844 871 7645
atgtickets.com/new-victoria-theatre
Monday 13 – Saturday 18 April
LYCEUM THEATRE, SHEFFIELD
Box Office: 0114 249 6000
sheffieldtheatres.co.uk
Tuesday 21 – Saturday 25 April
GRAND OPERA HOUSE, BELFAST
Box Office: 028 9024 1919
goh.co.uk
Monday 27 April – Saturday 2 May
MALVERN THEATRES
Box Office: 01684 892 277
malvern-theatres.co.uk
Tuesday 5 – Saturday 9 May
MILTON KEYNES THEATRE
Box Office: 0844 871 7652
atgtickets.com/venues/milton-keynes-theatre
Monday 11 – Saturday 16 May
OXFORD PLAYHOUSE
Box Office: 01865 305 305
oxfordplayhouse.com
Monday 18 – Saturday 25 May
KINGS THEATRE, EDINBURGH
Box Office: 0131 529 6000
edtheatres.com/kings
Tuesday 26 May – Saturday 1 June
LEEDS GRAND THEATRE
Box Office: 0844 8482700
leedsgrandtheatre.com
Mon 1 June – Saturday 6 June
HALL FOR CORNWALL, TRURO
Box Office: 01872 262466
hallforcornwall.co.uk
