By Maria Gregoriou
September will really start with a bang with Alpha Square presenting a reading of the play The King’s Speech by David Seidler on the roof terrace of CVAR in Nicosia for three nights.
Most of us know the story through the 2010 biographical drama directed by Tom Hooper and starring Colin Firth as King George VI, for which Seidler also wrote the screenplay.
The smash-hit film, which was the talk of the town on Oscar night in 2011, is about the struggles of Prince Albert, who had to ascend to the throne as King George VI. Even though he always shied away from the public eye because of his terrible stammer, he is left with no choice after his brother Edward VII gives up the throne to marry Wallis Simpson, an American who had divorced her first husband and was divorcing her second husband at the time.
The prince’s speech impediment very much shook his confidence and was a barrier towards the country being able to communicate efficiently.
As the play and film develop, we realise that it is his wife, Elizabeth (the future Queen Mother), who hires Lionel Logue, a speech therapist, to help the future king overcome his stammer.
Once Logue used unconventional means to teach the monarch how to speak with confidence, he was able to deliver a speech to his people and take his place among the royals who had come before him with honour.
Instead of watching the movie again, we can now enjoy this story read out right infront of us by some very talented actors.
As of September 1 and for three shows, Andreas Araouzos, Paul Stewart, Alexia Paraskeva, Christina Marouchou, David Dimitriou, Graham Thomas and Ricky Iacovou will bring to life this true and heart-warming story.
The seven actors are taking up the challenge to bring to light one man’s struggle to overcome his personal affliction and, in his country’s darkest hour, deliver the now iconic speech, broadcast across the globe to inspire his people.
The story behind the story itself is also of much interest, as Seidler also had a stammer and conceived the story and wrote to the Queen Mother for permisson. She asked him not to proceed with this story during her lifetime, a request he respected.
After her death the film version was released and won four Oscars out of 12 nominations, and the play opened at London’s Wyndham Theatre on March 27, 2012.
The story which brings to light the battle with words rather than action, will be spoken at 8pm. The bar will be open before the start of the performance and during the ten minute intermission.
You can reserve your seat via Alpha Square on [email protected] or by calling CVAR on 22-300994.
The King’s Speech
Performance of a reading of the play by Oscar winner David Seidler. September 1- 3. CVAR, Nicosia. 8pm. €10. In English. Tel: 22-300994
