Many people will arrive to this play with preconceptions having seen Colin Firth’s Oscar-winning performance in the film of the same name, or be expecting to see a blonde former golden boy from a soap opera.
Although it may seem difficult, it's best to cast these expectations aside and watch the play for what it is - a different and original take on the story of a pivotal relationship between a shy, sensitive prince with a disabling stammer and an Australian self-proclaimed speech therapist. David Seidler, who wrote the play includes more historical and political context than the film and details facts such as the euthanasia of George V because of media pressure, and rather caricatures political figures of the day such as Winston Churchill and the Archbishop of Canterbury. On his own admission, these guys resemble the old guys in The Muppets! They provide further details, speculating about the likely reasons of Wallis Simpson’s allure to the then Prince of Wales, and alleged plans for the reinstatement of King Edward 8th in the event of a German victory.
In spite of all this intriguing detail, the core of the play hinges on the tortured road to “Bertie” believing in his own voice, and succeeding in a radio broadcast to the nation to rally the population in the face of a likely Nazi invasion.
The leading men have a delicate dynamic to portray, which would not be credible if one or other of them were to unwittingly upset this balance – and they both did this beautifully. To his credit, I had to be told in the interval that Jason Donovan was in fact on stage, as I had found his (or as I thought, the talented understudy's) performance so much in tune with Raymond Coulthard’s portrayal of King George VI. Special mention must be given to Stephen Kemble as voice and dialect coach, as this must be one of the most testing plays for his particular skill.
In short, this theatrical production of The King's Speech is a funny, irreverent take on one of the most unlikely, but important relationships in recent history. It is impressive in its own right - but don't bother coming to see it if you want see a Colin Firth impersonation, or a “mature” pop star hamming it up!
