Before getting into it, there are a few trigger warnings for the content of this play. It includes infanticide, misogyny, violence, death, undertones of domestic abuse, and one reference to grooming. That being said, these sensitive topics were handled well by both the writers and the actors.
From the start, the tone was set well with the simple but effective set design. A screen on the stage displayed the month and year certain events took place, with the purpose that the audience could follow along easily. In particular, I appreciated the choice of writing in terms of mixing modern English with the more complicated old ways of speaking. It led to a good balance of poetic lines delivered wonderfully, while still being comprehensible.
This show was also filled with some amazing performances. Margaret, played by Tilly Harradine, was a viciously ambitious, emotional, clever, and powerful character. If I were to compare her to another well-known character, it would be Lady Macbeth from Shakespeare’s Macbeth. And I’m always thrilled to see a powerful female character played well. I could almost feel her frustration in her monologues, and her reunion with Henry at the end made me pretty emotional.
King Richard III, played by Jamie Egan, also had a deeply powerful performance. From adoration for his brother, to the eventual paranoia and violence, he commanded the stage. Even though he was the antagonist, his death scene tugged on my heartstrings and was a beautiful portrayal of a king who lost everything.
The former Queen Elizabeth and Anne Neville’s performances (played by Ella Hulford and Ava Hall respectively) deeply moved me too. The Duke of Buckingham, played by James Platt, was also a highlight. I always tend to praise an antagonist if they can incite hatred towards their character, and Lord Buckingham was certainly written well enough to be hated.
One thing I found interesting were the parallels between the couples – Margaret and Lord Thomas Stanley (played by Imogen Kerr), and King Richard III and Queen Anne. Both Margaret and Richard are ruthless in the pursuit of their goals, sparing no feelings or second thoughts. Whereas Stanley and Anne beg their spouses to see reason and take care with their actions. I think it was no coincidence that Stanley’s monologue worrying for Margaret’s life was followed by Anne’s reaction to her son’s passing.
Overall, I think that Margaret Beaufort: Kingmaker was a deeply well-written interpretation of these historical events. If you’re into history or have an appreciation for the dramatic, I would definitely recommend getting a ticket!
Rating: ★★★★★
Margaret Beaufort: Kingmaker is playing at the University of Sheffield Drama Studio until December 7th. Tickets are available here
