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














