The Madness of George III, Starring David Haig, to Play London’s Apollo Theatre

Alan Bennett’s The Madness of George III will make its West End debut at the Apollo Theatre on January 18, 2012 with the official opening set for January 23. David Haig will star in the title role, and Bennett’s The History Boys helmer Christopher Luscombe will direct.

In addition to Haig, the production will feature Clive Francis, Beatie Edney and Madhav Sharma.

The Madness of George III  combines drama, politics and humour into a vivid theatrical portrait of English history. 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 15 children—he is best remembered today for his bouts of unbridled lunacy.

The Madness of George III originally premiered at London's National Theatre in 1991 and was then adapted into an award-winning film in 1994, starring Nigel Hawthorne. The show's limited engagement will run through March 31, 2012.