FORMER soap star and teen idol Jason Donovan is taking the lead role in a stage adaptation of The King’s Speech which debuts at Chichester festival Theatre next month.

He will play Lionel Logue, the speech therapist assigned to treat King George VI’s speech impediment before he addresses the empire as war looms.

The king will be played by Raymond Coulthard, best known for his roles on Hotel Babylon and Mr Selfridge.

Starring Colin Firth and Geoffrey Rush, the 2010 film The King’s Speech became the most successful independent British production ever at the UK box office, and went on to earn £250m worldwide as well as major Oscars for best picture, best actor and best director.

Jason Donovan may have come to prominence through Australian soap Neighbours but he has long been performing on stage, with lead roles in West End musicals including Sweeney ToddPriscilla, Queen of the Desert, February 5-14.

Also joining the cast will be Jeremy Bennett, Nicholas Blane, John Fagan, Jamie Hinde, Felicity Houlbrooke, William Hoyland, Claire Lams, Katy Stephens and Martin Turner.

Directed by Birmingham Repertory Theatre’s artistic director Roxana Silbert, the play tells the iconic story of King George VI’s relationship with his speech therapist.

As the world stands on the brink of war, King Edward VIII sparks controversy with his love for married socialite Wallis Simpson.

As Edward’s position becomes increasingly untenable, his brother Bertie, who has previously shied away from the public eye because of a terrible stammer, is thrust into the spotlight as his likely successor.

With the support of his wife Elizabeth (the much-loved future Queen Mother), Bertie meets maverick speech therapist and failed actor Lionel Logue at an office in Harley Street.

Together they embark on an unlikely journey to prepare Bertie to lead his country as King George VI.

The King’s Speech is the true and heart-warming story of one man’s struggle to overcome his personal affliction and, in his country’s darkest hour, deliver the now iconic speech broadcast across the globe to inspire his people.

The extensive theatre credits of Raymond Coulthard, who plays King George VI, include, most recently, Heartbreak House at Chichester Festival Theatre, The Heresy of Love and Measure for Measure for the RSC and Women Beware Women at the National Theatre.

On television, he is best known for playing the role of Miles Egerton in ITV’s Mr Selfridge and played James Schofield in Hotel Babylon on the BBC.

Theatre workshops for secondary schools are being held on Thursday, February 12, and Friday, February 13, to enhance students’ understanding of The King’s Speech.

For further details, call the Learning and Participation Department on 01243 784437.

The King’s Speech is at the Festival Theatre, Chichester, from February 5-14, Monday Saturday evenings 7.30pm, matinees 2.30pm. Tickets Monday-Thursday £14-£32, Friday and Saturday £15-£35. To book, visit cft.org.uk or call the box office on 01243 781312.