Crown Matrimonial

This is the type of production where the story is the most important thing and the performers are a vehicle to present that story. Director, Meg Bray, made sure that we were enthralled by the events unfolding which, in the current day, is deeply thought provoking. 

Most of the audience would be well aware of King Edward VIIIth’s, known to his family as David, dilemma regarding his love for a divorced woman without whom he felt incapable of ruling the country. My grandson aged 15 came with me and knew nothing about the events that took place in 1936 until, on my way to the hall, I filled him in as best I could. I liked the use of projection to show some of the archive pictures from the period and the costumes were well researched.

Lighting is limited in Village Hall venues but was more than adequate for this production and the music was atmospheric and appropriate. This production was, primarily, to remind us all of the events, heroes and issues of the time and I, certainly, came away with a better understanding of the human strengths and frailties that are exposed during such catastrophic events.

The set was simple being Queen Mary’s sitting room and the changes made quickly and smoothly whilst the audience was cleverly distracted by more relevant scenes being portrayed on the screen. Queen Mary was brilliantly played by Marlene Tinknell. She was word perfect despite the fact that she was on stage virtually all the time.  She looked the part in every respect, her walk was regal, her voice and mannerisms queenly and her voice held just the right amount of authority.

The King, played by Harry Rippon, maintained his posture and presence exceptionally well for a 20 year old. My congratulations for such a good performance. Scott Hudson (George VI) and Tanya Beane (his wife, Elizabeth) gave very moving interpretations, Scott developing a more noticeable stammer when stressed and Tanya being very supportive.  Claire Cossins as Mary, the King's sister, showed all the anguish and tragedy the family were suffering with such passion she nearly moved the audience to tears and all the other principals were so true to life and loyal and caring.

This company has succeeded in performing part of our nation’s history with great effect and they are to be congratulated on a thought-provoking and fascinating insight into our Royal Family.

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