#Play King Charles III

FEBRUARY

by Mike Bartlett (no photo)

Finish date: 04 February 2022
Genre: Play
Rating: A
Review:  King Charles III

NOTE: 70 years ago today….

Elizabeth II acceded to the throne at the age of 25 upon the death of her father, George VI, on 6 February 1952, being proclaimed queen by her privy and executive councils shortly afterwards

Good news The play instantly feels different! It is written in Shakespearean form. Barlett uses in blank verse – also known as unrhymed iambic pentameter in common with many Shakespeare plays. This play follows Shakespeare classic 5 act structure …. and even with a ghost.

Good news Charles is a man who has waited all his life for a job – and then it goes horribly wrong! Great metaphor for Charles “…I’m like a book, stuck on the shelf, for years ignored and waiting to be judged….”. This play is not without controversy. For the stage version there were long conversations with lawyers. Even certain actors refusing to be involved because of how it might affect their future career.

Best scene: Charles is living in the 16th C. as a “Shakespearean King”…who thinks he has God given powers. “…Anointed not by man, but God, I don’t negotiate but issue commands.” Act 4 is the explosive  showdown between Charles vs William.

Personal: There’s a lot to unpack in this play: royal family and Harry’s desire to “leave the firm” – power of `the Parliament and Prime Minister – privacy vs freedom of the press – the future of the monarchy.

There’s a reason this play is controversial….wow! I thought was going to read a  pompous and pretentious play It turned out to be a doozy with a lot of meat on the bone.  No wonder no Royals officially came to see the play in London.

The play premiered in London in 2014. BBC broadcasted a movie version in May 2017. It is on streaming…so try to find it. It was nominated for BAFTA’s Best Single Drama and Best Leading Actor, Tim Pigott-Smith (1946-2017). Mike Bartlett portrays Charles as a Shakespearean king…with actual power” in the 21st C! In truth kingship in England is only symbolic.

PS: Next month Mike Bartlett’s new play in Shakespearean form will open in London. It is about  a power struggle…an ambitious man and asks the question: “Do we have a devil in all of us?.”  The new play is called “47th”  …about Trump.