Theatre News

The Madness of George III starring Mark Gatiss to be broadcast in cinemas

Adam Penford directs the production in his first season as artistic director of Nottingham Playhouse

Adrian Scarborough and Mark Gatiss
Adrian Scarborough and Mark Gatiss
© Dan Wooller for WhatsOnStage

Nottingham Playhouse has announced that it has partnered with NT Live to broadcast its production of Alan Bennett's The Madness of George III, which opens this November.

Directed by Adam Penford, the production stars Mark Gatiss and Adrian Scarborough, and follows the manic monarch (Gatiss), who slowly becomes mentally ill in the late 18th century. It won a string of awards when it first debuted in 1991, as did the 1994 film adaptation, both starring Nigel Hawthorne.

The production will be broadcast live from the theatre to cinemas around the world on Tuesday 20 November.

Penford, artistic director of Nottingham Playhouse, said: "This is really exciting news. Nottingham Playhouse has been producing world-class drama for the last seventy years and I'm thrilled that this special production will reach theatre lovers around the globe. It's the perfect finale to our 2018 season.

"National Theatre Live is the leading broadcaster in its field. It brings iconic productions to a worldwide audience. Their specialist knowledge and creativity will perfectly capture on screen Alan's modern classic and this cast of exceptional actors at the top of their game.

Olivier Award-winner Gatiss, added: "I'm thrilled that, thanks to National Theatre Live, our production of Alan Bennett's brilliant play will reach so many more people across the UK and the world. We can't wait for everyone to see this wonderful, funny and touching drama. What, what?"