Farnworth Little Theatre continue their 2025/26 season with The King’s Speech by David Seidler, running from 17–24 January.
Set against the backdrop of a nation on the brink of war, The King’s Speech tells the true story of Prince Albert, Duke of York — later King George VI — whose crippling speech impediment threatens his ability to lead. With the help of unconventional Australian speech therapist Lionel Logue, Bertie embarks on an extraordinary journey of friendship, trust and self-belief.
Warm, witty and deeply moving, the play explores themes of fear, vulnerability and courage, revealing the human cost behind public duty and royal protocol.
The production is directed by Jason Crompton and features a strong cast of local performers:
James Cooper as Bertie, Duke of York; Nicholas Eccles as Lionel Logue; Natalie Cooper as Elizabeth, Duchess of York; Esme Mather as Myrtle Logue and Wallis Simpson; Martin Pearce as Cosmo Lang, Archbishop of Canterbury; Peter Scofield as Winston Churchill; Benjamin Kilburn as David, Prince of Wales; Mike Jones as King George V; and David Wilson as Stanley Baldwin.
Director Jason Crompton said: “When I first approached The King’s Speech, I was struck not by its historical importance, but by how deeply human the story is. At its core, this play is about fear, vulnerability, and the courage it takes to speak when every instinct tells you to stay silent. The King’s Speech reminds us that every voice matters — especially the ones that struggle to be heard.”
The theatre’s 2025/26 season also features: The Swearing Jar by Kate Hewlett (14–21 March 2026) and One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest by Dale Wasserman.