King’s Speech at Chicago Shakespeare Theater

The King’s Speech
Hoping to overcome his chronic stammer, Bertie (Harry Hadden-Paton, at right) and Elizabeth (Rebecca Night) seek out Lionel Logue (James Frain) in Chicago Shakespeare’s North American Premiere production of David Seidler’s The King’s Speech, directed by Michael Wilson. Liz Lauren / Chicago’s Shakespeare Theater
The King’s Speech
Hoping to overcome his chronic stammer, Bertie (Harry Hadden-Paton, at right) and Elizabeth (Rebecca Night) seek out Lionel Logue (James Frain) in Chicago Shakespeare’s North American Premiere production of David Seidler’s The King’s Speech, directed by Michael Wilson. Liz Lauren / Chicago’s Shakespeare Theater

King’s Speech at Chicago Shakespeare Theater

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Earlier this month marked the 80th anniversary of England’s King George the Sixth’s famous speech to his nation addressing the declaration of war against Nazi Germany. The king plagued by a severe speech impediment went to great lengths to overcome his stammer to deliver the address— most notably, taking on an unconventional speech therapist. The true story was recounted in the 2010 Academy Award-winning film The King’s Speech and is now being brought to the stage here at Chicago’s Shakespeare Theater.

Morning Shift spoke with actor Harry Hadden-Paton about the show and his role. 

You can see the play at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater on Navy Pier through October 20th. Run time is slightly over two hours.

LEARN MORE: ‘The King’s Speech’ at Chicago Shakespeare: The royal story you know from the movie gets an extra boost from ‘Downton’ star (Chicago Tribune 9/22/19)