The King's Speech to be staged in Malvern and Cotswolds

The King's Speech is coming to the The Barn Theatre Cirencester and Malvern Theatres <i>(Image: Malvern Theatres)</i>
The King's Speech is coming to the The Barn Theatre Cirencester and Malvern Theatres (Image: Malvern Theatres)
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An adaptation of the Oscar-winning drama The King's Speech will come to Malvern Theatres next summer as part of a major UK tour.

The play, based on the Oscar-winning film, will be performed at Malvern Theatres from Wednesday, June 30, to Saturday, July 3, 2027.

It will be performed at The Barn Theatre in Cirencester from October 9 to November 7, 2026.

The story revolves around King George VI, known as Bertie, who reluctantly ascends to the throne after his brother's abdication.

Shy and unprepared for monarchy, he is faced with the daunting responsibility of leading a country on the brink of war.

With the country on the precipice, he must overcome his debilitating speech impediment to deliver a crucial radio address.

In a bid to find his voice, Bertie enlists the help of an unconventional Australian speech therapist, Lionel Logue.

The play follows the development of their unlikely friendship, bringing together elements of humour, heart, and high stakes.

Stefan Dennis (Neighbours) will take on the role of Lionel Logue, while George Rainsford (Casualty and National Theatre), will play Bertie, King George VI.

Rosanna Miles will play Queen Elizabeth, and Lucy Bromilow will take on the dual roles of Myrtle Logue and Wallis Simpson.

Other key cast members include Tim Hudson as King George V and Winston Churchill, Ian Kirkby as Archbishop Cosmo Lang, and Mark Hammersley as David, King Edward VIII, and Stanley Baldwin.

Loveday Ingram is set to direct the show, with set and costume design by Adam Wiltshire, lighting design by Hector Murray, and music and sound design by Elizabeth Purnell.

The casting director for the production is Marc Frankum.

Following its stint at the Barn Theatre in Cirencester, the play will embark on a major UK tour, taking in Malvern.

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