Robert Lindsay and Jemma Redgrave are starring in the world premiere production of Springwood by playwright Richard Nelson at Hampstead Theatre from 19 June to 25 July.
Richard Nelson’s remarkably topical and moving play pulls back the curtain on a pivotal meeting in 1939 between King George VI and President Roosevelt.
Robert Lindsay (Prism, Hampstead Theatre and My Family) plays President Roosevelt and Jemma Redgrave (Octopolis, Hampstead Theatre, and Silent Witness) plays his wife, Eleanor Roosevelt.
They are joined by Andrew Havill (Drawing The Line, Hampstead Theatre and This House, National Theatre) as King George VI and Rebecca Night (‘night, Mother and Prism, Hampstead Theatre) as Elizabeth, the Queen.
The cast also includes Harry Anton as Tommy, Teresa Banham as Missy, Oliver Cotton as Cameron, Bryony Miller as Mary, Rachel Pickup as Daisy and Eileen Nicholas as Mrs Roosevelt.
Design is by Tom Piper with lighting design by James F. Ingalis and sound design by John Leonard.
It’s 1939. A Weekend at a Country House. The fate of nations hangs in the balance.
King George VI’s single opportunity to convince President Franklin 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 and First Lady of the United States 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.
Olivier and Tony award-winning playwright Richard Nelson (Farewell to the Theatre, Goodnight Children Everywhere) says, “Our play has brought together an extraordinary group of actors and designers to tell the story of the very first visit of a reigning British Monarch to America.”
Springwood plays from 19 June to 25 July 2026 on the Main Stage at Hampstead Theatre, Eton Avenue NW3.
Box Office: 020 7722 9301
Tickets available from hampsteadtheatre.com
Captioned Performance: 14.07.26 at 7.30pm
Audio Described Performance: 18.07.26 at 2.30pm
