George III's behaviour has often been odd, but now he is deranged, with rumours circulating that he has even addressed an oak tree as the King of Prussia. Doctors are brought in, the government wavers and the Prince Regent manoeuvres himself into power.
Alan Bennett's play explores the court of a mad king, and the fearful treatments he was forced to undergo. It is about the nature of kingship itself, showing how by subtle degrees the ruler's delirium erodes his authority and status.
The Madness of George III premiered at the National Theatre, London, in November 1991.
- ISBN10 0571167497
- ISBN13 9780571167494
- Publish Date 10 February 1992
- Publish Status Active
- Out of Print 15 August 2012
- Publish Country GB
- Imprint Faber & Faber
- Edition Main
- Format Paperback (B-Format (198x129 mm))
- Pages 112
- Language English