Following the hugely successful film, a stage version of The King’s Speech, starring Jason Donovan, comes to the Oxford Playhouse.

The King’s Speech is the true and heart-warming story of one man’s struggle to overcome his personal affliction.

In 1936, Edward VIII abdicated to marry Wallis Simpson, a twice-divorced American.

His brother Bertie, as he was known to the royal family, was crowned King George VI. But Bertie suffered a severe stammer which made public speaking a terrifying ordeal.

He had tried all sorts of therapies to help control his stammer but nothing had worked, that was until he and his wife Elizabeth, the future Queen Mother, meet maverick Australian speech therapist Lionel Logue.

At his office in Harley Street, the eccentric therapist and the King begin their extraordinary journey to overcome his stammer.

At the same time Bertie is preparing to address the nation which is on the brink of the Second World War.

In his country’s darkest hour, Bertie is able to deliver the now iconic speech that was broadcast across the globe to inspire his people.

In this new production Jason Donovan plays Lionel Logue. Jason last performed in Oxford during the tour of Priscilla. His other roles include Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Festen, Sweeney Todd, The Sound of Music and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

Jason began his career in Australian soap Neighbours and during the 1980s rose to fame as a pop singer.

Raymond Coulthard plays King George VI – he is best known for his roles in ITV’s Mr Selfridge and BBC’s Hotel Babylon.

The King’s Speech is directed by Roxana Silbert, who most recently brought the Royal Shakespeare Company’s hit Dunsinane to the Playhouse stage. She is also artistic director of the Birmingham Rep.

The King's Speech runs from Monday, May 11 to Saturday 16. Tickets, from £14, are available from the ticket office on 01865 305305 or book online: oxfordplayhouse.com.