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.
This amateur production is presented by arrangement with Nick Hern Books.
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.
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.
Mike Bartlett’s King Charles III, a ‘future history play’, is a splendid provocation and a really fine play which imagines much more.
If events as they play out do not seem entirely likely, they make for a smart, dark, amusing good time.
King Charles III, a majestic, unmissable drama…
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King Charles III
King Charles III by Mike Bartlett does not convey a specific diversity message within its narrative. The play offers the opportunity for casting with complete neutrality regarding race and ethnicity. While certain aspects of the story may suggest gender, ethnicity, or age specificity for particular roles, the artistic judgment can determine the extent of flexibility, aiming to achieve a highly diverse cast.
Part 1, 18th Jan 8pm
Part 2, 19th Jan 8pm
Parts 1+2 20th Jan 2.30pm
Part 1, 23rd Jan 8pm
Part 2, 24th Jan 8pm
Part 1, 25th Jan 8pm
Part 2, 26th Jan 8pm
Part 1, 27th Jan 2.30pm
Part 2, 27th Jan 8pm
