Photo by Brett Beiner
Royal watchers, Anglophiles and fans of the Netflix show The Crown will immediately recognize the audience room of Buckingham Palace, expertly designed by Andrew Boyce, upon entering Drury Lane Theatre for the current run of The Audience, written by Peter Morgan; the large light blue walls with golden gild, the two yellow chairs looking purposefully uncomfortable, the red box on the desk in the corner. At once, we know where we are and that for the next 2 hours we will be listening in on some of the most important (and imagined) conversations between Queen Elizabeth II and 8 of the Prime Ministers who led England during her reign.
At first, it is unclear what the story unfolding before us is as the chirpy footman (Chris Amos) sets the scene for us and helps connect the audience to the short (no more than 20 minute) visits between the Queen (Janet Ulrich Brooks) and the various prime ministers. At first, this is confusing as these meetings are woven together non-sequentially. Over time, through the snippets of conversations with the Prime Ministers and conversations between Queen Elizabeth and her child self (Omi Lichtenstein), we learn about the dedication the Queen had to her position and the sacrifices she made as a result. The climax of this arrives when her favorite prime minister (possibly), Harold Wilson (Ron E. Rains) tells her he has Alzheimer’s. After their conversation, in the pause, we can feel how desperately the Queen wants to hug this man she has grown in friendship with but instead, holds out her hand for a kiss.
Brooks as Queen Elizabeth of course steals the show. Not only must she portray the queen from age 25 through her late 80’s but she must do so in a complicated order. Brooks moves through the choreography of the beautifully costumed transitions (costume designs by Moria Sine Clinton and Ben Argentina Kress) that help both Brooks and the audience know the age and era of each scene. Brooks is believable as a middle-aged and elderly queen. She is a bit less convincing as the young queen. However, as the show ended, I debated for some time whether the part could be played by a younger actress. I’m not sure a younger actress would have the maturity needed. Brooks, however, has the strength and poise to pull it off.
During the course of the show, Queen Elizabeth meets with 8 prime ministers played by 6 men and 1 woman. All are convincing and recognizable to history buffs, but there were several standouts. Matt DeCaro is a majestic Winston Churchill, Susie McMonagle a tough and despicable Margaret Thatcher, and Mark Ulrich a weaselly Anthony Eden.
Photo by Brett Beiner
However, it is Prime Minister Harold Wilson, played by Ron E. Rains, that we see the most. It is touching to watch him and Elizabeth evolve together. Wilson first meets the Queen with tales of humble beginnings in a rough middle-class upbringing. When he has her footman snap a picture of the two of them, it is obvious he has charmed her. Over the course of several meetings, including one in Balmoral Castle, the only meeting we see outside of Buckingham Palace, we watch their relationship bloom into friendship and the Queen learning the most about herself through this humble and charming man.
A final nod must be given to the costumes of Clinton and Kress as well as the wigs designed by Erin Kennedy Lunsford. Brooks, along with the help of several dressers, changes costumes and wigs for every scene. This was beautiful to watch. Each change is modest and seamless and choreographed in different ways- creative and interesting to see. The costumes are all stunning period pieces ranging from Queen Elizabeth’s coronation dress to the sensible attire and shoes of Queen Elizabeth’s later life. The costumes alone are worth a viewing.
The Audience at the Drury Lane Theatre is a beautiful show with a beautiful story. While it may be a little niche (a love of the Royal Family and loyal watching of The Crown would be helpful in providing context) everyone will be touched by the threads of humanity woven throughout, where we see that even a queen struggles and sacrifices like the rest of us.
The Audience is now playing at the Drury LaneTheatre, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace, through October 20. Performance times vary; check the website at Drury Lane Theatre. Find more information about current plays on our Current Shows page and at theatreinchicago.com.