by Royce Ryton | directed by Zanna Foley-Davies
15-17 and 21-24 January at 7.30pm
2.30pm matinee on Saturday 24 January
 |
| Photography: Sean Owen of Reflective Arts |
England, 1936 – a crisis is forming in the monarchy. Edward VIII has declared his intention to marry Wallis Simpson, an American socialite with not one but two living ex-husbands. The church forbids the match, the country is scandalised by it, and the rest of the royal family are firmly against it. They say he cannot marry her and be King, he says he cannot be King without her. Their question of what should come first – personal happiness or public duty – could tear the very fabric of the family apart.
"The piece centres around the actions of the wayward monarch, embodied perfectly by Alex Tiller as someone whose sense of duty is usurped by emotion... its driving force is the matriarch Queen Mary, played with a bewildered stoicism by the excellent Julie Benfield. It's well worth watching on the strength of the fine company performance, but those of us whose interest in the Monarchy may have been piqued by mainstream hits such as Netflix's The Crown will find this a compelling piece of Royal history, as well as those with a general historical interest too." Ray Tempesta - East Anglian Theatre Podcast [click here for full review]
"Brilliant production and performance, can’t wait to see it again." Veronica
"Was there in opening night, excellent performances from all, do go and see it." Catherine
Tickets www.ticketsource.co.uk/sewellbarn | phone 0333 6663366
