A reading with 7 actors directed by  Andreas Araouzos

The King’s Speech plays out on the battlefield of words, not action. Writer David Seidler, doing insightful work partly owing to his own bouts with a stammer, had conceived the story first as a play, and when he wrote to the Queen Mother for permission, she kindly asked him not to proceed with this story during her lifetime, a request he respected. The film version was released first, in 2010, directed by Tom Hooper and winning 4 Oscars out of 12 nominations, while the play opened at London’s Wyndham’s Theatre on 27 March 2012.

As the world stands on the brink of war, Edward VIII (David) sparks controversy with his love for married socialite, Wallis Simpson. As Edward’s position becomes increasingly untenable, his brother Bertie, who has previously shied away from the public eye because of a terrible stammer, is thrust in to the spotlight as his likely successor.

With the support of his wife, Elizabeth (the much-loved future Queen Mother), Bertie meets maverick speech therapist and failed actor, Lionel Logue, at an office in Harley Street. Together they embark on an unlikely journey to prepare Bertie to lead his country as King George VI.

Due to popular demand, extra shows have been added in September and October 2015.

Review by Nona Moleski in Phileleftheros.