Details

An English mistress. A foreign queen. A difficult balance. Roles chosen by their King, but women who won't be defined by them. It's 1734 and you're invited to an exclusive party at Kensington Palace to celebrate King George II's birthday. Underneath the seemingly joyful occasion is an undercurrent of tension between Queen Caroline and her husband's mistress, Henrietta Howard, who is desperate to leave and start a new life. Delving into the world of political intrigue, court games, high drama, scandalous gossip and smiling through gritted teeth, this immersive experience presents two separate journeys highlighting the stories of these brilliant women who might have otherwise been lost in the shadow of their king. Two women. Two separate routes. Two stories. One night. Which story will you discover? Henrietta, the Norfolk orphan who married a drunkard, lost everything and then ascended to be Lady of the Bedchamber - think you know what a mistress is? Think again. Queen Caroline, the intellectual changing the face of court, defining what a woman can and should be, and ruling her husband with just the right amount of advice and leadership. But can the queen rise above the constraints of her time and class? With modern twists throughout, this limited theatrical run will explore how these women made their own mark on their world and ours.

Cast/Performers

Stephan Boyce, Lavinia Co-op, James Hastings, Miranda Heath, Richard Holt, Yasmin Keita, Deven Modha, Christina Ngoyi, Lucy Reynolds, Nadia Sohawon, Deborah Tracey

Creatives/Company

Author(s): Yassmin Abdel-Magied, Anthony Spargo
Company: Les Enfants Terribles
Director: Christa Harris
Music: Patrick Neil Doyle
Design(s): Luke W Robson, Victoria Stride (hair / wigs)
Costume: Susan Kulkarni
Sound: Chazz Redhead
Lighting: Pablo Fernandez Baz
Dramaturg: Fiona Porritt