THE KING’S SPEECH
After the massive success and recognition of the film it is difficult to review The King’s Speech as a play within its own right, since whether you want to or not, it’s natural to constantly compare the two. Although originally written by David Seidler for the stage, I can imagine that the reason for the West End transfer of this production is largely due to the screen success. As a story the only deviation from the film is the longing for Mrs Logue to return to Australia. In actuality this was probably a wise move to drop it for the film’s release, as it is a subplot that is superfluous to the script, in fact it almost makes you like Lionel a little less, portraying him as slightly more selfish and less warm hearted when compared to the way he is characterised on screen.
Jonathan Hyde plays speech therapist Lionel with wonderful craftsmanship and flair, however it would be difficult for any actor to fill the shoes of the master that is Geoffrey Rush. Hyde doesn’t quite but it would be unfair to say he does not do a wonderful job in his own right, though I’d be very surprised if I’m the first reviewer to compare the two.
Jonathan Hyde plays speech therapist Lionel with wonderful craftsmanship and flair, however it would be difficult for any actor to fill the shoes of the master that is Geoffrey Rush. Hyde doesn’t quite but it would be unfair to say he does not do a wonderful job in his own right, though I’d be very surprised if I’m the first reviewer to compare the two.
On the other hand, I wasn’t anticipating any actor able to do justice to King George VI (Bertie) other than Colin Firth, after all it did earn him an Oscar. Charles Edwards steps up to the plate and delivers a stirling performance, which could give even the national treasure that is Colin Firth, a run for his money. Higher praise I could not bestow. What actually strikes most about the difficulty of playing the part is the authenticity of perfecting the speech impediment. My dad struggled with a stammer that would block his speech for his entire life, although mild, you could still feel my father’s frustration in his body not doing as he commanded; something I think Edwards, captured perfectly, both the physicalisation and the underlying resentment.
Secondary characters such as Winston Churchill and The Queen Mother are not as “imitated” as they are represented in the film, and are played with gentle nods to the character rather than out and out impression; and probably for the stage is best, as it could have, especially in the case of Churchill, become almost satirical.
Secondary characters such as Winston Churchill and The Queen Mother are not as “imitated” as they are represented in the film, and are played with gentle nods to the character rather than out and out impression; and probably for the stage is best, as it could have, especially in the case of Churchill, become almost satirical.
The King’s Speech is a genuinely wonderful, heartwarming story that, whether you want it to or not, makes you feel incredibly patriotic. I even choked up a little at the end when Bertie and Lionel shake hands as ‘friends’, something that in those days would have been actively discouraged.
I suggest getting a ticket in honour of our Queen’s Golden Jubilee and treating yourself to a cup of tea and a scone afterwards!
I suggest getting a ticket in honour of our Queen’s Golden Jubilee and treating yourself to a cup of tea and a scone afterwards!
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REVIEWED: 29/04/12
By Miss Sally Bowles
Booking until 21st July 2012
Wyndham’s Theatre WC2.
Wyndham’s Theatre WC2.
