Archives - Vivat, Vivat Regina

by Robert Bolt

Directed by Ray Newton

Saturday 8th – Saturday 15th March 1986 in the Auditorium

Vivat, Vivat Regina is a classic of modern drama. It tells of the power struggle between Mary, Queen of Scots, and Elizabeth I and it does so in an entertaining, dramatic and powerful manner.

Robert Bolt’s narrative style moves the play smoothly from France to Edinburgh to Hampton Court without losing historical accuracy, but at the same time the dialogue is such that all the characters: Mary, Elizabeth, John Knox, Cecil, down to the courtiers and clerics are real people. Bolt has put flesh on the bones. The playwright’s theme is “the impermissable sacrifice of self which power demands and gets and squanders — to what purpose?” It is Bolt at his best.

Festivals

• Buxton
• Felixstowe
  • Placed Second
  • Best Producer