The King's Speech posts closing notices
Preview by Lizzie Guilfoyle
THE KING’S Speech has posted early closing notices at Wyndham’s Theatre. Originally booking until July 21, 2012, it will now close on May 12, 2012.
Producers now believe that not enough time had elapsed between the screening of the Oscar-winning film and the play’s opening. As they explained:
“Two years ago, originating producer Michael Alden was ready to put the play on and the film came along and blocked its path. At the start of this year, we believed that enough time had passed between the film and our opening. This clearly was not the case.
“We are extremely proud of what we have accomplished. It is a production of genuine quality that has been critically and publicly acclaimed across the board.”
Previously Posted: Following its current UK tour, The King’s Speech will transfer to the West End – to Wyndham’s Theatre – where it will run from March 22 to July 21, 2012 .
Previously Posted: The King’s Speech, David Seidler’s original play which inspired his famous Oscar® winning film, will visit Richmond Theatre (March 5 to March 10, 2012) as part of a national tour.
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 room at 146 Harley Street, Bertie and his wife Elizabeth (the future Queen Mother) are meeting the maverick Australian speech therapist Lionel Logue. Breaking all royal protocol the King and his therapist embark on an unconventional journey to correct the King’s debilitating stammer and help him deliver the radio address that will inspire his country on the brink of World War II.
Adrian Noble, former Artistic Director of the Royal Shakespeare Company, directs a cast that includes Charles Edwards (as George VI), Jonathan Hyde (Lionel Logue), Emma Fielding (Queen Elizabeth), Joss Ackland (George V) and Ian McNeice (Churchill).
Charles Edwards, who originated the role of Richard Hannay in The 39 Steps (Tricycle and Criterion Theatres and Broadway) has also appeared on stage as Andrew Aguecheek in Twelfth Night (National Theatre), Wonderlust (Royal Court Theatre) and most recently as Benedick in Much Ado About Nothing (Shakespeare’s Globe).
As well as work for the Royal Shakespeare Company, Jonathan Hyde’s numerous theatre credits include Sleep With Me and Jumpers (National Theatre) and Peter Pan (Kensington Gardens). A familiar face on screen, he has appeared as J. Bruce Ismay in Titanic, Egyptologist Allen Chamberlain in The Mummy and Sam Parrish/Van Pelt, the hunter in Jumanji.
Ian McNeice has previously played Churchill in the National Theatre’s production of Never So Good and in the TV series Doctor Who. A former member of the Royal Shakespeare Company, he has appeared in the 1980 production of Nicholas Nickleby, as well as productions of The Merry Wives Of Winsdor, Anna Christie and Coriolanus. He is also well known for playing Bert in television’s Doc Martin.
Veteran actor Joss Ackland’s career spans more than six decades. A former member of the Old Vic Theatre Company, his stage work includes the original West End cast of Evita and Sondheim’s A Little Night Music. His numerous film credits include The Hunt For Red October, Lethal Weapon 2 and White Mischief.
Emma Fielding is probably best known for playing Miss Galindo in the popular BBC TV series Cranford. As well as work for the Royal Shakespeare Company, her stage credits include Arcadia (National Theatre) and Rock ‘N’ Roll (West End), both by Tom Stoppard. In 2002, she was nominated for an Olivier Award for her performance in a West End production of Private Lives, which transferred to Broadway.
The tour of The King’s Speech, which kicks off at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre in Guildford in February 2012, will also visit Nottingham, Bath, Brighton and Newcastle.