The Audience
The Audience" is a captivating play penned by the talented British playwright and screenwriter Peter Morgan. It debuted in London's West End on February 15, 2013, at Gielgud Theatre, initially named the Hicks Theatre, renamed the Globe Theatre and then the Gielgud Theatre in 1997, in honor of actor John Gielgud. The production featured the esteemed actress Helen Mirren as Queen Elizabeth II. The play delves into the intimate and unrecorded weekly audiences held by Queen Elizabeth II with the Prime Ministers during her reign, which commenced in 1952 and continued until her passing. Even though the content of these meetings has never been recorded and remains virtually unknown, the play offers an imaginary glimpse into the Queen's experiences, engagements, and concerns regarding the seven independent Commonwealth countries she presided over. Over six decades, Queen Elizabeth II engaged with each of her twelve Prime Ministers (Eight displayed with this production), including prominent figures such as Winston Churchill, Tony Blair, and Margaret Thatcher. These interactions offer us a unique insight into the person behind the crown and allow us to observe the pivotal moments that influenced a monarch. The Audience, well suited for a seasonal Drury Lane audience, featured seventeen cast members. The simple yet regal interior staging of Balmoral Castle, where the Queen had her private and political meetings, was engaging, charming, and enjoyable, largely thanks to Janet Ulrich Brooks's outstanding performance. Not to say that there weren't other notable performances. The cast delivered remarkable performances, with standout acts from Matt Decaro as Winston Churchill, Ron E. Rains as Harold Wilson, and Alex Goodrich portraying Tony Blair and David Cameron.
“MAJOR: I only ever wanted to be ordinary.
ELIZABETH: And in which way do you consider you’ve failed in that ambition? ”
Susie McMonagle also gave an incredible performance as The Iron Lady, Margaret Thatcher, who was infuriated by leaked press news that the Queen viewed her as uncaring, aggressive, and antagonistic.
Brooks is the kind of actor who completely embodies her characters, transforming seamlessly from one role to the next with astonishing ease. You witness this in her conversations with Prime Minister John Major. As Queen Elizabeth II, you observe how Brooks effortlessly applies the etiquette lessons she received from Churchill for engaging with other Prime Ministers and her special rapport with Prime Minister Wilson. Brooks made it seem as if you were genuinely eavesdropping on a conversation with the Queen herself. Lastly, making her Drury Lane debut, Omi Lichtenstein provided a show-stealing performance and shone brightly in the role of young Elizabeth. I can't wait to see her grow and perform. Elin Joy Seiler, who made her debut at Drury Lane and performed in Bedwetter, Gypsy, and The Music Man, is also a talented young actor playing young Elizabeth.
I found The Audience to be a captivating production. However, when it comes to the choice of venue, staging it at Drury Lane Theatre was a wise decision as this play may be more appealing to a seasoned audience due to its themes and content. If you're a fan of regal drama and political intrigue, like TV shows such as "The Royals," "Her Majesty's Prime Minister: Tony Blair," "The Queen's Speech," and any TV series featuring Queen The AudienceElizabeth; The Audience is for you.
⭐⭐⭐
Drury Lane Theatre
The Audience
Written by Peter Morgan
Directed by Jessica Fisch
August 28 - October 20, 2024
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