First-class drama

Alan Bennett’s The Madness Of George III was a wonderful epic dramatic piece lasting two hours and 40 minutes on Saturday, October 30. With the mixture of clever writing and good staging no one realised how much time had passed.

Simon Ward as the mad king was the star and was worthy of an Oscar nomination. He made his character really kind and human and you could not help but flinch as horrible tortures were carried out to make him well again.

He was tied to his wheelchair and gagged while hot jars were placed on his head and put into a strait jacket in a bid to cure his madness.

Susan Penhaligon made a caring Queen Charlotte with just a hint of a German accent while Alastair Whatley, who directed the piece, waddled about as the playful Prince Of Wales.

The cast wearing paper wigs gave a first-class performance and it was played at a fast pace. The bare stage was used to depict various places, with the help of a red and orange curtain. This was helped by having chairs, a table, a bed, and other props wheeled on.

I loved the way the chairs had rungs on the back so actors could climb up to show they were speaking at Westminster — DAB.