King Charles III

The Queen has died. As Prince Charles prepares to take the throne, questions are raised on how a monarch should rule. In this “future history” play, we are presented with what could happen when it’s time for the Prince of Wales to become king. An evening of intense and stunning drama, and an amazing performance.

As Charles is preparing to ascends to the throne, he declines the passing of a new law, made by the government,  restricting journalists and newspapers invading privacy. This sparks debate on how far our monarchy is constitutional and  who holds the real power in our society. Presented as a modern day ode to shakespearean drama, we watch the Royal Family, the Prime Minister and the nation react to the King standing in the way of democracy. Including people such as Prince William and Kate Middleton, Prince Harry and even a kebab shop owner, this play acts as a poignant commentary to the issues and dilemmas into today’s (and tomorrow’s) society and how it is ran. 

The Riots during the opening of Act Two

The set was visible as you walked into the theatre and did not change. Old bricks of a grand cathedral created a beautiful backdrop to the drama, with candles burning throughout, acting as a constant as we watch the world on stage change. The actors transported us to several locations throughout the play; from a nightclub, to Buckingham Palace, to a riot outside the palace gates. Using just two benches, two chairs and the odd props, it was extremely clever and effective. The costumes were mainly all black and remained almost the same throughout the performance perhaps symbolising that the nation was still in a sense of grieving over the Queen. 

At the start of Act Two, the cast all wore the anonymous masks with the face of Guy Fawkes as they rioted in a beautifully choreographed movement sequence. With one cast member wearing a satirical mask of Prince Charles whilst acting like a mouse or rat - it was a very deep and meaningful moment of the play. With lots of symbolism and messages this play does not disappoint. 

The roles of Kate and Will were intelligently performed by Jennifer Bryden and Ben Righton. Mirroring the roles of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth (without the murder), Jennifer subtly plants ideas and opinions into the finds of the Prime Minister and Prince William. Her acting was superb as she played the role in such a way that you almost don't realise that she is influencing those around her. A particularly stand out moment for her was when she performed a monologue addressing the fact that Kate would always be a ‘pretty plastic picture’ with no power and no responsibilities other than to make her husband look good. This was extremely effective as the words spoken in shakespearean rhythm were hauntingly poetic yet strong. The use of language throughout this piece was amazing, a blend of shakespearean and modern, making the piece traditional theatre yet accessible enough to understand and follow the story line. Ben Righton played Prince William with humour and sensitivity, handling issues such as Diana’s death, he portrayed the younger generation of monarchs impeccably. 

King Charles, Prince William and Duchess Kate

I did feel however, that some of the characterise felt outdated or out of touch with reality. As much as I understand it is theatre and things get heightened for artistic license, the character of Jess played by Lucy Phelps seemed like a tired stereotype. The character is a young, rebellious, republican youth which has the potential to show the audience the younger generations views. But instead of showing the the modern day youth, I personally felt I was watching something from the 90’s. Her costume consisted of fish net tights and big black boots and  a short black skirt. To me this just seemed like it was an older persons view of todays youth rather than a current representation. Furthermore Prince Harry - the most down to earth of the royals - was presented as completely clueless to the outside world, I mean I'm sure the Prince Harry knows what a ‘Sainsbury’s’ is. But this does not discredit both Lucy Phelps’ and Richard Glaves' performances as the characterisation they did was top quality, it just wasn't to my taste. 

The Role of the future king, Prince Charles, was beautifully performed with conviction and heart by Robert Powell. Powell showed the heir to the throne’s dilemmas and journey to the verge of madness through his voice, body and face. I thought a particularly powerful scene was when (SPOILER ALERT) he was forced to abdicate. He convincingly showed a broken man, not a king, but a man who had lost his power and his status not only over the nation but over his family too. Another stand out moment was when he gets visited by the ghost of Diana, who tells him - in a Macbeth’s three witches style - that he will be the greatest king there’s been. It was eerie and tastefully executed. A great technique used by the directors, Rupert Goold and Whitney Mosery, was when the Prime Minister (Tim Treloar) and the king addressed the nation. The banner of biblical crowds that encircled the stage was lit up and a single spot light shone on the speaker. It was a very good use of a Brechtian techniques. 

Overall, the piece was incredible. Acting as what I would call a great reinvention of Shakespeare, updating the cliché and sometimes boring traditional theatre into an accessible and dynamic performance to be enjoyed by the masses. Remarkable acting all round and a truly thought provoking play that leaves the audience debating and discussing long after they leave.