FROM THE BARN ARCHIVES

King Charles III

By Mike Bartlett
Directed by Cliff Francis
13th – 21st October 2023 at 8:00pm
Matinee on 21st at 2:30pm

2hrs 30 mins approx. with a 20 minute interval.

Following the death of the Queen, how should a new King rule?

Mike Bartlett’s King Charles III, a ‘future history play’, is a splendid provocation and a really fine play which imagines much more.
The Guardian

After Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral, Charles, now king, holds his first audience with the Prime Minister. They discuss a press regulation Bill, already passed by the Commons and Lords, awaiting Charles’ assent. Charles worries it curbs press freedom excessively, enabling government censorship and hindering exposure of government abuse. He seeks amendments, but the PM declines. As they spar, the Opposition Leader joins, part of Charles’ new weekly meetings. He also questions the Bill, but sees no choice but for Charles to sign.

Parallelly, Prince Harry dates Jess Edwards, a Republican. Both he and Prince William see Princess Diana’s ghost, promising kingship. Charles denies assent to the press Bill. The PM meets the Opposition Leader and tries convincing Charles, who stands firm. The PM threatens a law bypassing assent, but Charles dissolves Parliament first, leading to protests erupting…

Mike Bartlett wrote his visionary play eight years before the Queen’s death. His version of events can now be seen in the light of the past 12 months, making this fictional account all the more fascinating.

CAST & CREATIVE TEAM

Directed by
Cliff Francis

CAST

Diana's Ghost, Sarah, TV Producer
Nick, Sir Michael, Butler, Terry
Sir Gordon, Clive, Speaker of the House, Paul, Archbishop of Canterbury
Servant, Newspaper Seller

MEDIA & REVIEWS​

Mike Bartlett’s King Charles III, a ‘future history play’, is a splendid provocation and a really fine play which imagines much more.
The Guardian
If events as they play out do not seem entirely likely, they make for a smart, dark, amusing good time.
LA Times
King Charles III, a majestic, unmissable drama…
The Daily Telegraph

DON'T FORGET, COMING UP AT THE BARN SOON​

CONTENT WARNING

Opening5th September
Opening20th September

 

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