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Crown Matrimonial

Author: Helen Mills

Information

Date
21st July 2012
Society
DDOS
Venue
DDOS Green Room, Dorking
Type of Production
Play
Director
Nathan Farrell
  A show picked for its connotations to the Jubilee appeared rather dated in view of subsequent facts and revelations. Queen Mary (Sue Harrington) had a massive role to play as she was on stage almost all the time. It was an impressive performance, having to be both motherly and matriarchal. Laurence Armitage as Edward VIII, played his role steadily and believably with all the difficulties of his devotion to the woman he loved and his dedication to the throne, though of course the audience knew that the outcome was inevitable. Bertie (Gary Staff), the future George VI, acted with spirit and quiet dignity. His wife, Elizabeth, Duchess of York, (Colette Wighton) brought out all the anguish she felt at placing her Bertie in this position. Emily Ayres playing The Princess Royal acted with spirit and firmness. Atlanta Yeatman played Alice, the Duchess of Gloucester very competently. The Ladies-in-Waiting Mabel and Margaret (Annabelle Farrell and Kathy Barnes) both acted well. Monkton (Simon Coppen-Gardner) played the role with finesse and the Page (Stuart Wighton) was both deferential and correct as the manservant of the household. The set was meticulously well thought out with correct props, furniture and stage dressing. The costumes were excellent and of the period, especially Queen Mary’s. An intriguing and demanding play.

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