November 14, 2013 was both the 65th birthday of the current Prince of Wales and the first night of the Warminster School play, whose subject matter dealt with an aging monarch and an increasingly frustrated son and heir.

The play opened before the lights had even dimmed, when the cast was required to remain stock still for a considerable period of time without reacting to any comment or distraction from the audience. It was a brief but telling insight into the strictness and rigidity of life within the court of George III.

Blake Scammell excelled as the foppish and petulant Prince of Wales, mincing on to the stage like a pantomime Dame. I was reminded of Beau Brummel’s remark: “Who’s your fat friend?” and of the Prince’s capricious moods, which Blake caught beautifully. Hamish Godbold was an effective and amusing support as the ludicrous Duke of York.

The coterie of politicians was superb. Tom Jaggs oiled his way between the two royal factions and Will Pratt was outstanding as the dedicated and humourless Pitt, forever writing and attempting to secure the King’s signature. Dominic Kirwan and Emily Watson portrayed Fox and Sheridan to icy perfection as they attempted to establish their supremacy in Parliament.

There were some very impressive and notable performances by the current Year 11, which will stand the drama department in good stead for future productions. James Arter, Izzy Jaggs and Kathryn Rush were particularly strong and Izzy brought pathos to the role of Greville and demonstrated his genuine fondness for the King.

There was a good deal of dark humour that surrounded the doctors. Ryan Lee’s Sir Lucas Pepys and his obsession with the King’s stools was at once hilarious and disgusting.

Max Trusler gave a tremendous performance as Sir George Baker but it is hard to laugh at the cruel, barbaric torture that was meted out to the King.

There was a sense of relief when Tommy Morgan appeared as Dr Willis but even then, the audience was genuinely shocked at Willis’ methods. What an eye-opener it was to see Tommy Morgan playing such a powerful character with real menace and intensity.

Finally, I do not think words can do justice to the incredible performance of Matthew Stone. In 13 years at the school I do not think I have ever witnessed such a theatrical tour de force.

Matt’s performance was both compelling and moving. The portrayal of the King’s descent into madness was both pitiful and painful to watch and Matt judged it perfectly.

The energy exerted by Matt through his contortions and tics must have been exhausting. It was a remarkable performance from a remarkable young actor.

The Madness of George III consolidates the reputation that Ms Hooper and Mrs Mannion-Leakey established with last June’s Lower School production. They are two extremely talented women and the school is lucky to have them. I cannot wait to see what they will stage next.