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Celebrated creators of interactive theatrical adventures, Coney, have worked with Historic Royal Palaces to transform the State Apartments of the newly renovated Kensington Palace for House of Cards: two playful experiences unfolding the secret lives of some of the most fascinating and dramatic characters in the history of the British monarchy. The unique, multimedia installations, featuring live performance and never-before-seen costume from the Palace's historic collection, encourage visitors to interact with the personal stories that underpinned the Houses of Stuart and Hanover. The intimate, wood panelled Queen's Apartments are the setting for a dreamlike journey through the rise and fall of the Stuarts as seen through the eyes of Little William, the future King who danced himself to death on his 11th birthday. Transformed by Whatsonstage Award winning designer Joanna Scotcher (The Railway Children) with a series of installations featuring elements of the Palace's collection alongside magic mirrors, cabinets full of love letters, ships in bottles, half heard whispers and magnificent trees, the curious will uncover traces of the lives that were led in the rooms. The King's Apartments provide a grand, imposing backdrop for an interactive game inspired by the heady mix of celebrity, fashion, politics and treachery that defined life in the King's court during the 18th Century. Alongside a display of rare examples of court dress from the period, the playful are invited by costumed performers to participate in a game of cards, collecting hints and tips as they progress that will ensure their standing with the King. The King's Apartments become a social arena once again, with visitors taking on the roles of the King's closest advisors, trading cards, seeking conversation and encountering the unexpected. This radical re-presentation of the State Apartments is part of Historic Royal Palaces' ?12 million major renovation project to transform the visitor experience of Kensington Palace in time for Her Majesty's Diamond Jubilee and the London Olympics. The re-opening of the palace on 26 March 2012 will also include a major permanent exhibition dedicated to Queen Victoria in her own words and a new temporary display of dresses worn by Princess Diana of Wales. Improved visitor facilities include a new entrance, caf?, shop, Clore Learning Centre and beautiful landscaped public gardens reconnecting the Palace to Kensington Gardens.

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2012 (1 listings)