By Royal Appointment at Nottingham Theatre Royal Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Louise Edwards
By Royal Appointment starring Jane Asher, playing Queen Elizabeth II this week treads the boards at Nottingham’s Theatre Royal. Written by Daisy Goodwin, creator of ITV’s Victoria, By Royal Appointment is a witty and poignant new play that imagines the private relationship between Queen Elizabeth II and the trusted dresser GiGi, played by Laura Main, who helped shape her iconic public image and her Designer, played by David Robb and Millner played by Matthew Cottle. The Queen is clearly not interested in fashion and would rather wear her twin set and headscarf so this trio consider what would be most appropriate for her to wear and at times even speak volumes through her clothes.
The play opens with the backdrop of the late Queen’s funeral and the heartbroken dresser, fielding unsolicited calls from people wanting the Queen’s secrets. While the Queen is the public figure, Gigi is the person who sees her in private and becomes one of the few people able to speak to her with honesty and affection. The play presents her as a working-class woman from Wigan, whose role gradually grows from helping with clothes and appearance to becoming a trusted confidante and adviser. They contrast and complement each other, and Gigi is loyal to the end.
As well as the main cast is The Curator played by Laura Matthews who narrates the story through history covering much of Elizabeth II’s reign (1952-2022). She told us the year and what else was happening in the word then and in the Queen’s life both personal and public. Most of the significant moments are captured from Charles and Diana’s wedding, state visits, the AIDS epidemic through to her last meetings with Prime Minsters Johnson and Truss.
As well as the Queen’s life we also hear snippets from The Designer and The Milliner’s life. Touching on prejudices and family conflict they bring comic relief and show us how the Queen used clothing as a form of communication and symbolic power at times when she may have felt she had none.
The Queen is portrayed as a woman of quiet wisdom, reminding those around her that leadership is often about service rather than power, and that dignity can be found in restraint, loyalty and a steadfast sense of duty.
Directed by Anthony Banks with set design from Jonathan Fensom this play has a pedigree of creatives to ensure that it hits the quality attributes justified for the story. The stage is minimal and the use of curtains creates atmosphere and effect with the lighting by Richard Howell. The play is interspersed with extracts from the National Anthem and music and soundscape were understated but highly effective, gently underscoring both the humour and poignancy of the story and helping to transport the audience through the decades.
Balancing comedy with genuine poignancy, By Royal Appointment is much more than a royal drama. It is a touching exploration of friendship, loyalty and duty that leaves the audience smiling, reflecting and thoroughly entertained.
Rating: 4/5
https://www.trch.co.uk/whats-on/by-royal-appointment-x8v6
Tickets from £26.50