THEATRE REVIEW: The Audience - Nuffield Southampton Theatres, Southampton.

The Audience, written by Peter Morgan, intends to capture the essence of the weekly private meetings which the Queen has shared with all 14 of her prime ministers throughout her 65 years on the throne. Paul Kemp brilliantly transcends through time taking on at least 7 of the prime ministers, each one a paragon caricature. The Audience is absolutely genius, hilariously funny and up-to-date.

The innovative traverse stage creates a voyeuristic position for the audience, apt given the setting of the play: in a private audience room. The set, designed by Rosanna Vize, consisted of a central raised rectangular platform on which stood two chairs and a carpet. There was also a conveyer belt running centrally through the stage which was loaded with boxes for set changes and brought the smooth and timely entrances and exits of each prime minister. On the far right hand side of the stage there was a 6 foot raised platform on which sat Young Elizabeth Windsor, played beautifully by Fay Burwell.

The Queen, played by Faye Castlelow, was portrayed with flare and ease. The depiction was perfect, with every intonation, facial expression and mannerism crisp and thoughtful. An excellent royal! With each meeting she changed her dress on stage with the help of her Equerry, Sharon Singh. This created a beautifully intimate movement sequence, mirroring the intimate and personal conversations which she has shared with each of her prime ministers. Each of her costumes was designed with thought and insight presenting the Queen with character and style. It was interesting to see her movements as she dressed become more frail as she ages. This helped the plot to jump, without confusion, non chronologically.

Each scene was orchestrated by the Queen’s Equerry. She rearranged the set and undressed and redressed Her Majesty. She also acted as a narrator figure allowing the passing of time to run parallel to the snapshot private audience meetings between the Queen and the prime minister weekly. The meetings focused on specific moments in history and their effects on later prime minsters, demonstrating the Queen’s lengthy experience and large ability to offer insight. Particular attention was given to the Suez Crisis in 1956 under Mr Eden’s government, showing how the Queen knew his decisions were of ill intent but she still had to offer her complete support, because the Queen must always have complete support for her prime minister. The production discusses the issues she has faced, not having any opinion in any matter, but still having it happen under her government.

For me, it was the natural and spontaneous relationship between Paul Kemp and Faye Castelow which made the show so exciting and believable. This was aided by Paul Kemp’s excellent performance of each prime minister, particularly his iconic portrayal of Winston Churchill and his genius and accurate characterisation of Anthony Eden. He was hilarious and also highly genuine and personable, particularly in his characterisation of Harold Wilson, resulting in most of the audience shedding a tear at his resignation after his diagnosis with Alzheimer’s.

This play is witty, moving and highly interesting. A thoroughly good watch!

Reviewer - Grace McNicholas
on - 30/5/19