The Madness of George III at Apollo Theatre.

Alan Bennett's The Madness of George III opens at the Apollo Theatre 23 Jan 2012, following previews from 18 Jan, running to 31 Mar 2012.

Directed by Christopher Luscombe, produced by The Peter Hall Company / Theatre Royal Bath.

Cast include David Haig, Clive Francis, Beatie Edney, Madhav Sharma.

George III was the third Hanoverian king of Great Britain. In spite of a catalogue of accomplishments – he founded the Royal Academy of Arts, was a passionate advocate of science, literature and music and fathered fifteen children – he is best remembered today for his bouts of unbridled lunacy. Subjected to the appallingly cruel medical treatment of the day and assailed by power struggles between politicians and his scheming son, George remains throughout an intensely sympathetic character – melancholy, moving, witty...and finally triumphant.

- by Gareth Foreman