Daisy Goodwin’s new play ‘By Royal Appointment’ – which opened last night at Malvern – is neither a biting satire nor does it set its stall to be a platform for conspiracy theory. Rather it is a charming, chronological collage of vignettes, based on real events and people woven into a timeline which triggers memories – particularly for my ‘baby boomer’ generation.
Although it is set entirely in the intimacy of the royal dressing room, what goes on there between Queen Elizabeth II and her personal trio of majestic attire creators has repercussions that resonate with international importance.
The trio consist of a fulfilling performance by Caroline Quentin as ‘The Dresser’ – a loyal confidante who guards her royal relationship with a passion bordering on obsession. She also harbours more than a whiff of jealousy towards the other two, which shows itself through numerous waspish comments and occasional minor sabotage. James Dreyfuss is spot on the money as the ostentatious ‘Milliner’ who loves to seize the theatricality of the moment (any moment). Hot to trot too is James Wilby as the ‘Designer ‘with an uncanny talent for matching colours and styles to moods and designs along with a generous dollop of obsequiousness.
he tour-de-force that is Anne Reid literally becomes her late Majesty the Queen for the entire performance Every move, pause, line, expression was joyous. It was a privilege indeed to be in the presence of theatrical royalty.
Designer Jonathon Fensom brings the unseen rooms at the Queen’s homes onto the stage without losing any of the intimacy and Dominic Dromgoole directs with warm and gentle brush strokes.
Another Dromgoole, namely Grainne, completes the company as the Curator and our ‘what’s going on’ outside the room narrator.
The costumes are sumptuous as was the overall mood. In truth, Act One needs a couple of ‘moments’ and could do with some trimming, but Act Two is seamless. This is of course a new play and I’m sure the talented Goodwin will revise it a few times before it undoubtedly starts a long and successful West End run.
Interestingly, we saw the play with our son and his fiancée who are visiting from their home in Australia who were less engaged than us and so I expect the audiences will be more national than international.
Nothing amiss with that – though those of us who have lived most of our lives under her reign, ‘By Royal Appointment’ provided a unique and interesting perspective on the life of our late Queen.
Thank you, Ma’am, for your service and Anne Reid for sharing.
The show runs until Saturday (July 5). Click here for times, tickets and more information.
Source: malvernobserver Review: Euan Rose
