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I, ElizabethDyad Productions
Lichfield Garrick
***** A CHAIR and side table set in front of
the arras were all that were required to transport us back to an
atmospheric privy chamber in 1568. Rebecca Vaughan as Queen Elizabeth I held the audience spellbound with her magnificent portrayal of the Tudor monarch. Her personal struggle, insecurities
and doubts were laid bare as the whole gamut of emotions poured from a
performance that was more than worthy of the generous ovation given by a
very appreciative audience. Elizabeth reigned for 44 years, inheriting the
crown in 1558 at the age of 25, and although she appeared strong and
determined, her personal anxieties plagued her. None so much as the
question of who should follow after her death and take the throne, and
the even bigger problem of who or when she would marry in order of
providing a legitimate heir. Elizabeth's own legacy of letters, speeches,
poems, prayers and other writings, as well as many recorded
conversations with ambassadors and Privy Councillors were used to script
this dramatic piece and they reveal the fiery, intelligent woman, yet
often given to procrastination and fits of weeping. The political struggles and challenges of
religion and war seem strangely paralleled in today’s world, as we see
Elizabeth tormented by the difficulties of maintaining the security of
her beloved people and balancing her personal needs with the demands of
her advisors and politicians. Vaughan’s ability to sustain and deliver such a
huge amount of dialogue in a single monologue was a privilege to
witness. No mean task on a hot, stuffy summers eve whilst wearing a
constrictive, heavy Tudor costume, but the very talented Vaughan was
utterly convincing in every aspect. An excellent performance by a fine
actress. So much better than any History lesson. ‘I may not be a lion but I am a lion’s cub’ Directed by Guy Masterson, Elizabeth reigns to 10
June. Rosemary Manjunath and Elizabeth Smith 09-06-16 See Dyad Productions website for more dates http://www.dyadproductions.com/production-tour-dates.php
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