The Madness of King George

What happens when a political leader loses control of their mental faculties? The magnetic Massimo Popolizio directs and performs Alan Bennett’s text in a great ensemble show, stripping George III of regal trappings to reveal a frightened man at war with himself. Alan Bennett’s The Madness of George III, with its twenty-one performers, presents a highly topical theme: illness and power. The play raises deep questions about what happens when a political leader, in a position of supreme power, loses control of their mental faculties. The drama explores the vulnerability of a figure of authority and the reactions of those around him, torn between loyalty, opportunism and despair. Another theme is the management of information: the plot is fueled by court intrigues and the way the government manipulates information about the king’s health to retain power. But beyond the political intrigues, the drama—better said, the comedy—is a moving exploration of the King’s humanity. Dates: - Friday 12 March 20:30 - Saturday 13 March 20:30 - Sunday 14 March 16:30 - Tuesday 16 March 20:30 - Wednesday 17 March 19:00 - Thursday 18 March 19:00 - Friday 19 March 20:30 - Saturday 20 March 20:30 - Sunday 21 March 16:30