30/07/2026
The MPC team enjoyed an evening at the theatre and in advance of the play showing, one of our therapists and an adult client met with Andrew Havill, who played the role of King George VI, to talk about all things stammering.
"In preparation for playing the part of George VI in ‘Springwood’, a new play by Richard Nelson at the Hampstead Theatre in Swiss Cottage, I contacted the Michael Palin Centre to see if they were able to give me some insight into stammering.
It was extremely helpful to be able to talk to Ali Berquez about the nature of stammering, its origins, its causes, and its day-to-day obstacles; and to Rory Sheridan about how stammering has impacted and continues to impact his life.
I was anxious that my depiction in the production should feel rounded and real, and merely one part of his character, albeit an important one. There is humour in the play, but I’m keen it come over as the right sort of humour, born out of sympathy for the character, and driven by him, rather than he himself being in any way a figure of fun.
It was a fascinating and productive visit, and I am extraordinarily grateful to Ali and Rory for giving up their time to share their experience and expertise." Andrew Havill
The play Springwood was set in 1939 when King George VI visited President Roosevelt to seek support in the war effort. The play was an intimate conversational piece that gave an insight into the experiences of disability for King George VI and President Roosevelt who lived with stammering and polio respectively.
