Festival Theatre, Malvern – until 5th July 2025
Reviewed by Courie Amado Juneau
5*****
On the surface, By Royal Appointment is a fascinating behind the scenes glimpse at the people around Queen Elizabeth II who crafted her style. But it’s much more than that…
It begins with The Dresser in full mourning (and some little indignation) at the speed the royal machine kicks into gear transitioning to the new monarch. The new Curator requests her help with information for an exhibition of the Queen’s wardrobe… Enter the Queen from the wings (in 1969) and off we go with a stage version of that exhibition (kind of).
Caroline Quentin (The Dresser) gave a powerhouse performance in a magnificent display of the entire range of her craft. For anyone acquainted with her work as Dorothy in Men Behaving Badly, you will know that her comedy credentials are without question – and they are on full display here in the subtle (and not so subtle) asides, looks and perfectly timed sarcastic coughs. But she’s a fine dramatic actress too, with commanding power coming through when in monologue about her loss of position, influence and, most importantly, her friend.
Anne Reid was every inch the regal Queen. I found her portrayal both authentic and moving. Rather uncannily like the original, I thoroughly enjoyed her witty and restrained performance (and I mean that as a compliment). She was particularly effective when depicting those moments where tragedy hit.
The two principle men in the cast (The Milliner played by James Dreyfus and The Designer by James Wilby) were equally superb. Each brought an interesting dynamic to the proceedings, both playing gay men grappling with their own character’s life issues. Dreyfus anguished telling of an episode during the AIDS epidemic was one of the emotional highlights while Wilby’s exploration of the complex relationship with his father gave us several more impactful scenes. Impressive acting from both actors, giving their characters true depth.
Gráinne Dromgoole rounded out the speaking cast as The Curator, used to great effect to introduce each new scene (a particular year) with some background from the era that was part social commentary and part history lesson. We were treated to facts on a diverse range of topics such as who was in the charts, what was on TV, the Yorkshire Ripper, school leaving age, clamping first being introduced in London… Very entertaining and many of them produced gasps or chuckles. This was a masterstroke of storytelling from writer Daisy Goodwin in, amazingly, her debut play! An impressive achievement and I can’t wait to see what she does next.
Apart from all the above, there are those costumes themselves which are truly outlandish. The Queen was certainly stylish and some of the outfits took me right back to my nan’s wardrobe. Must have been an era thing, dressing strangely – but, then again, looking at the red carpet for most events these days… In any case, the show finishes with a lovely projection of the lady herself in all her finery, ending on a beautiful photo to warm the heart.
A fitting tribute to long lives of service all wrapped in a wonderful, witty play full of wisdom and genuine affection with fantastic performances from all involved. A must see!