1:12pm Wednesday 8th September 2010
By Barrie Jerram
Alan Bennett’s play depicts the breakdown in health suffered by King George. His “madness” is still the subject of debate – was it a mental condition or was it porphyria, a physical and possibly hereditary complaint?
With such an excellent piece of writing, one wonders why this production is loaded with so many gimmicks. Does the director have so little confidence in the text that he feels it necessary to festoon it with elements of pantomime?
Extraordinary paper wigs, bizarre make-up and some clownish performances contribute to what at times feels more like a Carry On film or an episode of Blackadder.
However, the production is redeemed by Simon Ward’s masterful performance as the tormented King.
First seen as the affable “Farmer George”, Ward conveys the man’s desire to lead a simple, pastoral life. The journey into madness is an acting tour de force – one moment foul mouthed, the next racked with anguish. There is a subtle touch in the way he delivers the writing’s humour.
As his Queen, Susan Penhaligon provides solid support and is at her best in the quiet scenes when they address each other as Mr King and Mrs King.
Knight Mantell as Dr Willis provides some dramatic moments with his unorthodox treatment of the King, but some of his key speeches are unfortunately so soft as to be inaudible.
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