The Madness Of George III

The Madness Of George III

The stage is set for the return of “The Madness of George III” to the West End in 2012. Alan Bennett’s famous 1991 play has fans around the world, whether it is thanks to the numerous productions of the play on international stages or the movie adaptation “The Madness of King George”. As a result it is likely that theatre tickets will once again be in high demand as Davig Haig returns to the West End to take on the titular King under the direction of Christopher Luscombe. The show is set to appear at the Apollo Theatre from January to March 2012.

“The Madness of George III” first appeared at the Lyttelton National Theatre in 1991 with Nicholas Hytner directing Nigel Hawthorne in the lead role. The production would go on to appear on the other side of the Atlantic, in addition to other international locations during the 1990s and it was also adapted into the movie “The Madness of King George” in 1994. For the adaptation Hytner remained as director and Hawthorne remained in the role of King George. As a result of the international success of the show it remains one of Alan Bennett’s best known works and continues to find an audience wherever it goes.

The plot looks at the famous ‘madness’ of King George during the later years of his reign, with the Regency Crisis of 1788 and the King’s relationship with his son the Prince of Wales explored during the course of the show. Ultimately George’s humanity can be clearly seen as the play explores the way in which medical practices and political pressures had an adverse effect on him.

Whilst David Haig replaces Nigel Hawthorne in the lead role, Christopher Luscombe will this time take on duties as director. Luscombe has been behind a wealth of shows around the country and these include London theatre productions such as “The Merry Wives of Windsor” for Shakespeare’s Globe, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” at the Open Air Theatre, Regent’s Park, and “When We Are Married” in the West End.

The production appears at the Apollo in the same year as shows such as “Long Day’s Journey into Night” and follows up the return of the acclaimed “Jerusalem”.

“The Madness of George III” appears at the Apollo Theatre from Monday 23rd January 2012 (previews from Wednesday 18th January 2012) until Saturday 31st March 2012.

Venue Information and Directions

Apollo Theatre
Shaftesbury Avenue
London
W1D 7EZ

Seating Plan

Directions

Directions
Take the Piccadilly or Bakerloo line to Piccadilly Circus. Exit via Shaftesbury Avenue and walk for about 5 minutes