Auckland Theatre Company presents a production by The Court Theatre

The King’s Speech

by David Seidler

In England’s darkest hour, the nation calls for a king. The prince must find his voice.

6 Apr – 2 May

ASB Waterfront Theatre

London, 1936. Albert must step forward and save his family. The Windsors are caught in a constitutional crisis, the British Empire is relying on him and World War II is looming. But first, he must get the words out. He must conquer his stutter and conquer his fear. This is the inspiring story of how a man found a voice – and saved a nation.

 

Originally conceived as a play, David Seidler wrote this script because of his own stutter as a child. The film, starring Colin Firth, won four Academy Awards, the West End production was a four-star hit and the season at The Court Theatre in Christchurch was an extended sell-out. Auckland Theatre Company presents this historical drama with all of the grandeur that royalty demands.

 

However, above all, this is the story of an unlikely friendship and its transformational power. Ryan O’Kane (Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express, North by Northwest) stars as Bertie the king who stutters, alongside Wesley Dowdell (North by Northwest, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time) as failed actor turned speech therapist Lionel Logue.

“Here, David Seidler’s writing gets a fresh chance to shine.”

— The London Evening Standard

“This well-presented production receives a rapturous standing ovation...”

— Flat City Field Notes

Watch the interview with Ryan O’Kane

 

Event and Ticketing Details

Duration

2 hours 20 minutes, including interval.

Advisory

Contains strong language and Nazi symbolism

Accessible performances

Relaxed – Tue 20 Apr 7:00pm

Comfortable and inclusive, especially for autistic and neurodivergent audiences.

NZSL-interpreted – Sat 1 May 2:00pm

Interpreted by Platform Interpreting NZ, working with the cast, crew and a Deaf community advisor.
Book via our d/Deaf friendly form

Audio-described – Sun 2 May 4:00pm

Preceded by a Touch Tour at 2:30pm. Audio described by Audio Described Aotearoa.