SPRINGWOOD

World Premiere Play
By RICHARD NELSON
Directed by STANLEY TUCCI

Friday 19 June – Saturday 25 July
Press Night: Monday 29 June, 7pm
Hampstead Theatre Main Stage

“You’re five thousand miles away. You already owe us a fortune from the last war.  We won’t see a penny of that any time soon, will we? And so – why don’t we just ignore you and your war?”

1939. A weekend at a country house. The fate of nations hangs in the balance; King George VI’s single opportunity to convince President Roosevelt to support his country in impending war is seemingly dependent on whether he and his wife can navigate a public picnic with the decorum and dignity expected of royalty. The weekend marks the first ever visit of a British monarch to the United States - can the "special relationship" survive a menu of hot dogs and beer?

The President of the United States and First Lady host the King and Queen of England in this richly observed clash of cultures. While on the precipice of world war and amidst a house with very thin walls, the secrets, self-doubts, fears and indiscretions of two world leaders and their wives spill out.

From Olivier and Tony Award-winning playwright Richard Nelson (Farewell to the Theatre, Goodnight Children Everywhere), Springwood is a witty and poignant new play that pulls back the curtain on a pivotal meeting where the personal and political entwine.

Award-winning actor, presenter, author, and screen director Stanley Tucci makes his London stage directing debut with Springwood. Previous credits include Lend Me a Tenor (Broadway) which was nominated for three Tony Awards.

Based on the Focus Features film Hyde Park on Hudson and produced by arrangement with Playground.