By Royal Appointment at Mayflower Southampton Review

DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW

Reviewed by Jan Dixon

I had the pleasure of reviewing ‘By Royal Appointment’ at Mayflower Theatre, Southampton on the opening night of Tuesday 9th July 2025.

This is a new play, written by Daisy Goodwin and directed by Dominic Dromgoogle. It was first performed on 5th June 2025 at Theatre Royal Bath to great acclaim.

The premise of the story is a behind-the-scenes look at how the image of the late Queen Elizabeth II was presented on the world stage through her attire. Her clothes were carefully chosen and managed according to the occasion by her Designer, Milliner and Dresser. These were influential people who considered the people the Queen would be seeing and the countries she would be visiting as part of her royal duties.

The key parts of this play were performed by Ann Reid (Queen Elizabeth II); Caroline Quentin (The Dresser); James Dreyfus (The Milliner) and James Wilby (The Designer). The characterisation of each of these was very individualistic and superbly acted by each of these very talented actors. Anne Reid was magnificent as the Queen; her elegance, devotion to her sense of royal duty, calmness, humour and compassion were portrayed with great realism.

Carolyn Quention took the role of the Dresser very seriously, giving wonderful depth to the performance of a woman who had devoted her life to the Queen, becoming her confidante and companion over the years. James Dreyfus, as the Milliner, was superb in his portrayal as the free spirit of a gay man in those times and James Wilby as the Designer, also a gay man, was more strident in his role of someone who passionately wanted his particular style of clothes worn.

The interaction between the latter two stereotypically showed campness and scathing comments as each vied for the Queen’s attention and approval. These three characters were based on Dresser Angela Kelly, Designer Hardy Amies and Milliner Freddie Fox. Grainne Dromgoogle played the part The Curator, who narrated with a clear and well-modulated voice throughout the play, describing the different eras and occasions that the Queen attended. Fiona Tong and Jeremy Drakes played Footmen and were understudies.

Background pictures were projected at the back of the stage to show the Queen in the actual original costumes, but these were hard to see and blurred. It would be helpful if these were reviewed and refined for the audience to view effectively.

The play is set in the royal dressing room of the Queen and we were taken through the key events of the Queen’s reign through the outfits she wore at pivotal moments. These included the investiture of Prince Charles, meeting the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, Lord Mountbatten’s funeral. The Queen had a say in the outfits but was clearly strongly advised by the Dresser primarily. Accessories, such as state jewellery, were carefully chosen to complement the clothes for each occasion, sometimes signalling personal emotions and a need to show the extent of the power of royalty.

The interaction between the Dresser, Milliner and the Designer throughout can be likened to close colleagues and fellow workers who have been employed by the same person (the Queen) for many years and the relationship that develops between them. Emotions of trying to outdo each other, being supportive, personality clashes and humour were all portrayed so eloquently by the actors.

Many congratulations to the expertise of the Designer Jonathan Fensom, Lighting Oliver Fenwick, Sound Ella Wahlstrom and Projection Nina Dunn (Pixel lux).

This is worth a 5 star rating for members of the public would are keen advocates of the Royal Family and are interested in the nuances and background of royal protocol. Several standing ovations were given to the performers which were very well deserved.

Rating:5/5

The show runs from Wednesday 9th July to Saturday 12th July 2025 at 7.30 pm; with additional matinee performances at 2.00 pm on 10th and 12th July. Running time is 2hrs 30 mins, including one interval. Ticket Prices from £25.00 to £45.00.

For more information or to book tickets, visit www.mayflower.org.uk or call the Box Office on 02380 711811.

Mayflower Theatre, Commercial Road, Southampton, Hampshire SO15 1GE