I guarantee you’ll sit spellbound when watching The Queen’s Nanny, now playing at the Ensemble Theatre in Sydney. You’ll find yourself caught up in the world of British royalty via Queen Elizabeth II (Lilibet), Queen Elizabeth (The Queen Mother), King George VI, their trusty butler and Marion ‘Crawfie’ Crawford, Lilibet and sister Margaret’s no nonsense Scottish nanny.
Commissioned by the Ensemble Theatre and written by the talented Melanie Tait, The Queen’s Nanny is a poignant exploration of an aspect of the royal family most of us never get to experience, and for good reason. Bursting with insight and buckets of humour, this marvellously tragic comedy, in the hands of director Priscilla Jackman, gets a ten out of ten from me.
Inspired by historical events, this play delves into the complicated, loving, yet ultimately doomed relationship between Queen Elizabeth II and her much-adored Crawfie. The Queen’s Nanny made me reexamine the words royalty and loyalty in equal measure.
To up the tension a light was shone on Crawfie’s love life and the media’s role in deciding what constitutes reportable news (and the lengths they’ll go to obtain it).
The acting was superb; you won’t find any better. Ditto the set, costume, lighting and music design – bravo to everyone involved for producing a top-notch theatre experience I won’t forget in a hurry. The Queen’s Nanny season, now till 12 October 2024 is not to be missed.
Cast: Matthew Backer, Elizabeth Blackmore and Emma Palmer.
Playwright Melanie Tait
Director Priscilla Jackman
Assistant Director Miranda Middleton
Set Designer Michael Hankin
Lighting Designer Morgan Moroney
Composer and Sound Designer James Peter Brown
Dialect & Voice Coach Jennifer White
Movement Coach Tim Dashwood
Stage Manager Sean Proude
Assistant Stage Manager Madelaine Osborn
Costume Supervisor Lily Mateljan
Production Management Secondment Sherydan Simson
Stage Management Secondment Chelsea McGuffin
This production is made possible by the Commissioners’ Circle
Photo credit: Phil Erbacher
90mins (no interval)
For tickets visit: www.ensemble.com.au
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