Coulthard and Donovan To Star In UK Tour Of THE KING'S SPEECH From Feb 2015

The King's Speech - the play from which the Oscar-winning movie that starred Colin Firth and Geoffrey Rush was adapted - will set out on its first national tour in 2015.

Starring Raymond Coulthard as King George VI and Jason Donovan as his Australian speech therapist Lionel Logue, the production will be supported by a fine acting company under the direction of Birmingham Rep's Artistic Director Roxana Silbert. The production opens at Chichester Festival Theatre on Thursday 5 February 2015.

The play tells the iconic story of King George VI's relationship with his speech therapist, as the country stands on the brink of World War II. It enjoyed an acclaimed West End season in 2012.

1936: King Edward VIII has abdicated for the love of Wallis Simpson. Bertie, his brother, is crowned King George VI of England.

At an office in Harley Street in London, Bertie and his wife Elizabeth (the future much-loved Queen Mother) are meeting Australian maverick speech therapist and failed actor, Lionel Logue.

With the support of his wife, Bertie and Logue embark on an extraordinary journey to overcome his stammer and deliver the now iconic speech broadcast across the globe to inspire his people.

As the world stood against the Nazi threat, The King's Speech is the true and heart-warming story of a greatly loved royal family who took this nation through its darkest hour.

One of the most successful British films of all time, The King's Speech won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Actor and Best Director, as well as seven BAFTAs, including Best Film.

You've seen the film, now live the drama.

Jason Donovan plays Lionel Logue, the unconventional Australian speech therapist that coaches the King to deliver his momentous speech, depicted in the 2010 film by Geoffrey Rush. His theatre credits include Sweeney Todd, The Sound of Music, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Priscilla Queen of the Desert.

Jason Donovan said: 'I am really looking forward to starting rehearsals for The King's Speech and getting into the character of Logue. He was such an interesting and remarkable Australian, who achieved so much in a very challenging situation and I think he will be fascinating to play.'

Raymond Coulthard plays King George VI. His extensive theatre credits include most recently Heartbreak Hotel at Chichester Festival Theatre, The Heresy of Love andMeasure for Measure for the RSC and Women Beware Women at the National Theatre. On televison, he is best known for playing the role of Miles Egerton in ITV's Mr Selfridge on ITV and played James Schofield in Hotel Babylon on BBC.

Raymond Coulthard said: "Having been away from theatre for a couple of years I was hoping to find a project that would truly challenge me. I think it is safe to say I have found it!"

The production will be directed by Roxana Silbert, Artistic Director of Birmingham Repertory Theatre. Previously an Associate Director at the Royal Shakespeare Company, former Artistic Director of Paines Plough, her directing credits include Tartuffe (Birmingham Rep), the RSC's production of Dunsinane (International Tour & Hampstead Theatre) A Life of Galileo, Measure for Measure, Richard III and A Soldier in Every Son and Iron (Royal Court Downstairs).

Further casting to be announced.

To post a comment, you must register and login.