Having lost their investments in the banking crisis, Maurice and Helena now live in reduced circumstances in a small suburban bungalow but Maurice has memories of a far grander past, of palaces and precious stones. Although ill, he is determined to live to see his 90th birthday and looks back fondly on a fateful meeting with the young soon-to-be-Queen Elizabeth on the eve of her coronation. As a former commando and diamond expert, he had been tasked with guarding the Crown Jewels overnight. It happened to be his birthday and he was in celebratory mood, captivating the young Elizabeth with his knowledge and charm. Inevitably the younger Maurice fell head over heels in love. They ended up dancing together and promised to meet again on his 90th birthday, the eve of her own Diamond Jubilee, a date so far ahead that neither could imagine it happening.

Helena, his devoted, long-suffering wife thinks that the story is just in his imagination, the delusional result of his cancer medication, but he is adamant that the Queen will keep her word and makes preparations for the royal visit…

This delightful three-hander is written by Olivier Award-winning actress Nichola McAuliffe and gained her the Edinburgh Stage Award at the Festival in 2012. Poignant and very funny by turns, it is a gentle, witty examination of the power of dreams and the pitfalls of ageing. She says that ‘All the best stories are in the third act of life’ and this tale, with its deft, well-observed characterisations and sparky humour, ensures that you will leave the theatre feeling good.