REVIEW: By Royal Appointment at the Everyman Theatre

Cheltenham

Tonight, I attended the Everyman Theatre in Cheltenham to witness the warm and witty star-studded stage play about Queen Elizabeth II’s subtle and elegant presence in British life. Written by Daisy Goodwin and told through the lens of the Queen’s relationship with her dresser, milliner and designer, By Royal Appointment finely balances light-hearted moments with poignancy. Under the direction of Dominic DromGoole, the Queen (Anne Reid) and her dresser (Caroline Quentin) show emotional restraint, with the former displaying grace while her dresser is given the freedom to make astute observations in her company. Meanwhile the milliner (James Dreyfus) and designer (James Wilby) let it all out on stage, providing the ying to the ladies’ yang.
 

 

The Power Behind the Throne

In her performance, Anne Reid exudes dignity through pauses and careful and eloquent thoughtfulness when speaking to others and sometimes lets out some vulnerability. Anne Reid’s portrayal is precise and understated, capturing the Queen’s reserved public persona perfectly. Caroline Quentin provides a contrast by commanding attention with her no-nonsense authenticity and sharp comedic timing. Both are dependent on one another during this play, which is evident from their deep understanding of one another.

Meanwhile, Dreyfus and Wilby provide a different type of energy and a playfully competitive interaction which is both funny and endearing. They act as one of the vehicles for moving the play along, by bringing various gowns and hats in for approval by the Queen; fashion items that would highlight important occasions in the past. The other facilitator of the movement through time comes in the form of Grainne Dromgoole who provides a timeline of key popular events from the sixties to current day.

 

 

Minimal yet evocative

Throughout Daisy Goodwin weaves a compelling study in mutual respect and the emotional weight of service to others. The script uses silences to speak volumes and expressive delivery to paint the stage with texture. Complementing the script is the stage with its minimalistic design – a space designed by Jonathan Fensom, who uses a sparse, functional dressing room and period detailing to create a space that can be used with ease by the cast and their props, with smooth transitions that allow the focus to stay in the unfolding world. Meanwhile, music effectively accompanies Grainne Dromgoole’s narrative, providing context to the moment in time in which the characters exist. Music is minimal but purposeful, supporting the storytelling without taking centre stage.

 

Not to be missed

By Royal Appointment will resonate with everyone that sees it, providing an insight into the importance and weight of the public persona that Queen Elizabeth II had to embody from the beginning of her time on the throne to the end. It tells the story of a monarch and her aide, inviting the audience into the mostly quiet backstage world that would have a bearing on the nation’s Royal image. It is a poignant reminder of time gone by and the choices that are dictated by expectations.

 

By Royal Appointment is showing at the Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham until Saturday 21st June 2025.

 

Review by Julia.

 

For More Information & Tickets Click HERE

 

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