THE MADNESS OF GEORGE III to Bring Barmy Politics to Shaw Festival Next Week

Equal parts political comedy and biographical drama, Alan Bennett's The Madness of George III explores the dangerous consequences when a king who loses control of his body, words and mind in the midst of his rule. The Madness of George III debuts at The Shaw's Royal George Theatre on April 11.

The Madness of George III, directed by Kevin Bennett and starring Tom McCamus, depicts the king as a real human being, whose loss of sanity threatens not only his State but the people he loves.

Ken MacDonald's set design extends the architecture of the Royal George theatre onto the stage with a King's court featuring limited box seats on stage for audience members. Christopher David Gauthier's lavish costume designs bring to life The Shaw's rare involvement with this time period through such eighteenth-century must-haves as powdered wigs and regal garb. Alexis Milligan's movement direction highlights the social performances of royalty in that period.

The Madness of George III is on stage at the Royal George Theatre (85 Queen Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake) from April 11 to October 15 (opening May 26).

Cast (in alphabetical order):

Lisa Berry
Ryan Cunningham
Rebecca Gibian
Cameron Grant
Martin Happer
Marci T. House
Andrew Lawrie
Tom McCamus
Patrick McManus
Jim Mezon
Chick Reid
André Sills
Lady Pembroke
Sheridan
Greville
Fitzroy
Prince of Wales
Thurlow
Duke of York
George
Dr Willis
Fox
Queen Charlotte
Pitt

Creative & Production:

Kevin Bennett
Ken MacDonald
Christopher David Gauthier
Kimberly Purtell
Joseph Tritt
Alexis Milligan
Diane Konkin
Leigh McClymont
Director
Set Designer
Costume Designer
Lighting Designer
Music Arranger & Sound Designer
Movement Director
Stage Manager
Assistant Stage Manager

The Shaw Festival's 2017 season is on stage April 5 through October 15. The playbill features Me and My Girl, Saint Joan, Dracula, 1837: The Farmers' Revolt, Androcles and the Lion, Wilde Tales, The Madness of George III, Dancing at Lughnasa, An Octoroon, Middletown, 1979 and Secret Theatre.

Direct bus service from Toronto to Niagara-on-the-Lake on the Shaw Express began April 5. Patrons can choose to come for one day or stay for the weekend with a round trip costing $25. A ticket to a 2017 Shaw Festival performance is required to access this service.

Tickets for the 2017 Festival season and Shaw Express are available through the Box Office at 1-800-511-SHAW and online at www.shawfest.com.

The Shaw Festival celebrates the life and spirit of Bernard Shaw by creating theatre that is as entertaining and provocative as Shaw himself. For more information, visit www.shawfest.com.