Royal madness at MKT

One of Alan Bennett’s biggest hits, The Madness of George III originally premiered at the National Theatre in 1991 and went on to become an international theatrical sensation and an award-winning film. With a cast of 24, lavish costumes and a masterful central performance, this epic production combines drama, politics and humour into a vivid theatrical portrait of English history.

David Haig gives the performance of a lifetime as King George. His moving portrayal of the troubled monarch is funny, touching and at times heartbreaking, but never less than riveting. One of the UK’s most versatile actors, his numerous stage credits include a host of West End and Broadway productions. His screen credits include The Thick of It and Four Weddings and a Funeral. He leads a cast of 24, which includes acclaimed actor and writer Clive Francis, Beatie Edney and Madhav Sharma.

Its director, Christopher Luscombe, has achieved considerable success directing Alan Bennett’s work including Enjoy in the West End and The History Boys. He says: “I’m lucky to have directed several of Bennett’s plays – this will be my fifth – but this is undoubtedly the biggest play I’ve ever done – a real epic.

“We’ve got a cast of 24, and the action takes in several royal palaces, Windsor Castle and St Paul’s Cathedral! It’s rare to work on a text that’s wildly funny and heartbreaking all at once, and I’m fortunate to have a leading man, David Haig, who is one of our most versatile and skilful actors. He’s going to be amazing in the title role”

George III was the third Hanoverian king of Great Britain. He studied science, founded the Royal Academy of Arts, took a keen interest in agriculture and fathered 15 children. During his reign, Great Britain and Ireland became the United Kingdom and Britain lost its American colonies.

In spite of all this, he is best remembered for his bouts of unbridled lunacy, when he was subjected to the appalling medical treatments of the day and battered by power struggles between politicians and his ambitious son and heir. Throughout all of this he remained a fascinating and profoundly moving figure.

To book tickets call the box office, Call 0844 871 7652 or visit www.atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes