» Hot review of the week: Crown Matrimonial
Royce Ryton’s drama about the abdication of Edward VIII could have been dry. The language and sentiments displayed are of a time long gone. But that is the heart of the story and how timely now.
Run in parallel, the story of David Windsor, torn by his love for twice divorced Wallis Simpson and his duty to serve as king, with the story of Charles Windsor, his failed marriage and his love for a divorced woman and the play has a renewed poignancy.
Patricia Routledge leads an excellent cast with a polished and dignified performance as Queen Mary, allowing the humour to speak for itself and never once clowning – a thing that she can do very well. Rufus Wright plays a passionate King Edward VIII, tinged with real despair.
Darlene Johnson as the Countess of Airlie, is perfect as a humane voice of reason. Above all this excellent production highlights that at one time both the government and the nation truly cared about the royal family and now, frankly, who gives a damn.
Theatre Royal Brighton, 15 July
4/5
Andrew Kay
