Wimborne Drama's production of Alan Bennett's play
Directed by Richard Neal
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THE MADNESS OF GEORGE III Wimborne Drama's production of Alan Bennett's play Directed by Richard Neal |
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Alan Bennett's dramatic and fascinating study of a king best known for losing both America and his mind, is a masterly piece of writing; and with a named cast of 20+, as well as assorted footmen, friends and bystanders, it is also a huge challenge for any company brave enough to attempt it. Richard Neal's spirited, hugely enjoyable and superbly costumed production drew all the strands of this tragic monarch's reign together in a tapestry, rich in colour and variety. Shining out as the focal point was the mesmerising and deeply moving performance of Geoff Whipp, excellently playing the mental and physical crumbling of a dutiful monarch to childlike dependency and confusion, exacerbated by a series of quack doctors. 
But a King cannot reign alone, and there was fine support in other roles, most noticeably from Paul Dodman as George, Prince of Wales, Martin Matthews (William Pitt), Mark Ellen (Sheridan), Simon Jackson (Sir George Baker) and David Pile (Dr Francis Willis).
No one in their right mind could fail to enjoy such a drama. LINDA KIRKMAN (Reproduced from the Daily Echo.)It would have taken hearts of stone for the audience not to be moved by Geff Whipp's portrayal of King George III. From the amiable king to the supposedly deranged madman, back to the loving monarch, Geoff controlled the feelings of the audience as their emotions were swept along in a torrent of horror and then joy and relief as he was restored to sanity. We all felt for the poor man as he was strapped into the restraining chair and strait waistcoat and shared his pain as he was forcibly kept from his beloved queen. It was a relief to hear his familiar "what what" as he started to recover from his illness. I must have been one of the only people in the country not to have seen either the Alan Bennett play or film of the king's agonies. I may never now see the film after seeing this production as I feel I could only be disappointed by Nigel Hawwthorne's portrayal of Farmer George.The play revolved round the character of King George III so it must have a strong leading actor and here Wimborne Drama was blessed.
LIZ TURNER (Reproduced from Wimborne Magazine). The illustrations are taken from Wimborne Drama's website and show (i) the King strapped in the 'madness' chair, and (ii) William Pitt, the Prime Minister, signing one of the documents. |
This is not to detract from the ability of the rest of the cast who all gelled together to ensure the play flowed. Martin Matthews played suitably the passionate William Pitt who managed the whole performance without the glimmer of a smile.