The King's Speech to hit Northampton stage

It tells of Britain on the precipice of a terrible war and in the midst of a constitutional crisis. One of few men who can provide hope for the nervous British public is Bertie, better known as King George VI – a man who is shy, unprepared or monarchy and, worst of all, has a debilitating speech impediment.

With the future of the monarchy, and Britain itself, on the line, an historic radio address looms over a man who can barely get through full sentences. So Bertie and his family turn to an unconventional speech therapist from Australia to turn him into the king Britain can believe in. As royal protocol meets unorthodox challenges, what emerges is an unlikely but deeply meaningful friendship.

The new stage version, adapted from the 2010 film, promises to blend humour, heart and high stakes in a beloved drama about duty, courage and finding one’s voice.

The production is directed by Loveday Ingram, whose career includes productions in the West End, for the RSC, regionally throughout the UK and internationally. Her productions have won Irish Times and UK Theatre Awards and been nominated for others including four Olivier awards and TMA awards. Her recent productions include major UK tours of The Girl on the Train and Little Women.

Loveday said: “This stage version brings the story to life with huge heart.

"It is a deeply moving story about human connection, courage and friendship - an intimate story of trust that so poignantly shows that true leadership comes from embracing our humanity, rather than striving for perfection. I am much looking forward to bring it to life.”

Iwan Lewis, chief executive and artistic director of the Barn Theatre in Cirencester, Gloucestershire, which is co-producing the show, said: “We are incredibly proud to be bringing The King’s Speech to audiences across the UK under the direction of the wonderful Loveday Ingram.

"At a time when our industry faces significant challenges, partnering with world-class artists and creating ambitious productions with long-term futures is more important than ever.”

Also producing the show is Tiny Giant Entertainment, whose credits include The Hunger Games on Stage in London and the UK tours of Birdsong, Friends! The Musical Parody and The Rise and Fall of Little Voice. It also regularly co-produces and invests in other work, with recent investments include the UK tours of Midsomer Murders and Back to the Future the Musical.

The play is written by David Seidler, who also wrote the film. A Londoner by birth, David Seidler was sent to the USA as a young child during the Second World War, to which he attributed his developing a stammer. George VI, the reluctant, stuttering King, became a boyhood hero, role model, and many years later the inspiration for The King’s Speech. The 2010 film version – starring Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush, and Helena Bonham Carter – earned David an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay and went on to win four Oscars (including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor), two BAFTAs, the Humanitas Prize, and numerous other awards. His stage version has toured England and the United States, played the West End, and has been produced around the world in nine foreign languages.

David Seidler died in 2024 while on a fly fishing trip to his beloved New Zealand.

Casting will be announced at a later date.

The King’s Speech will run at the Royal & Derngate from May 25 to 29, 2027. Visit royalandderngate.co.uk or call 01604 624811 to book.