THE Madness of George III is too good to be missed.
Like old King Coal, George III is a merry old soul affectionately calling his wife, delightfully played by Sarat Broughton, Mrs King.
That is until he contracts Porphyria which slowly drives him mad.
It all happens at Altrincham Garrick Playhouse in Celia Bonner’s unforgettable production of Alan Bennett’s play - one of their best.
In their eighteenth century ignorance, doctors inflict ineffective and tortuous remedies upon the poor King.
Yet he is sane when he loses the American colonies , an event which concerns him so much he won’t talk about it.
There is a scheming opposition party plot to make vain George, the eldest of many children, Prince Regent.
Nick Sample’s performance is one that will go down in the Garrick’s history as special. Indeed, he shows true genius.
He makes the monarch his own, illustrating the King’s pleasant side as well as reacting with heart rending shrieks to the terror and pain inflicted on him after slowly going mad. It means being burnt, purged and laced in a straight jacket by his tormenting dcctors.
In outstanding dramatic moments, he stutters, mutters obscenities, swears, talks incessantly, and falls to the ground, groaning.
The only doctor with common sense is Dr Francis Willis, played in another exceptional performance, by Garrick veteran, Martin Oldfield.
Others worthy of mention are Peter Brassington as son, George, Steven Finney as William Pitt, and Meg Royle as Lady Pembroke who gently rebuffs the King’s lustful advances.
The elaborate eighteenth century costumes, themed in black and white, are a credit to Mike Shaw and his team.
* The Madness of George III is at the Garrick Playhouse until Saturday, April 23. For tickets, telephone 0161 928 1677 or book on line at altrinchamgarrick.co.uk. Star rating: * * * * *
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