Robert Lindsay and Jemma Redgrave will star in the world premiere of Springwood by Olivier and Tony Award-winning playwright Richard Nelson at Hampstead Theatre.
The production opens on the Main Stage on 19 June and runs until 25 July 2026.
Richard Nelson’s new play centres on a crucial weekend in 1939 when King George VI and Queen Elizabeth visit President Franklin D Roosevelt and First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt at their country home, Springwood.
At a moment when the fate of nations hangs in the balance, the British monarch’s sole opportunity to secure American support ahead of impending war may depend on navigating a public picnic complete with hot dogs and beer.
Robert Lindsay plays President Roosevelt, with Jemma Redgrave as Eleanor Roosevelt.
They are joined by Andrew Havill as King George VI and Rebecca Night 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.
Set against the first ever visit of a reigning British monarch to the United States, the play unfolds within a house with very thin walls, where secrets, self-doubts, fears and indiscretions of two world leaders and their wives begin to surface.
Richard Nelson said:
“A King and Queen of England visit the President of the United States. This time it’s June 1939. Springwood is Franklin Roosevelt’s country home where the Royals are to spend a weekend culminating with a ‘hot dog picnic.’ 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.”
Design is by Tom Piper, with lighting design by James F Ingalis and sound design by John Leonard.
Springwood is directed by Richard Nelson and plays the Main Stage at Hampstead Theatre from 19 June to 25 July 2026.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
