Victoria: A Queen Unbound Review – Uncovering Coercion in the Myth of a Model Royal Marriage
Screenwriter Daisy Goodwin's latest work, presented at the Watermill Theatre, Newbury, revisits the iconic relationship between Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Goodwin was initially intrigued by the historical detail that Albert chose Victoria’s bonnets, prompting her to question if this was a sign of devoted partnership or a subtler form of dominance. Her exploration, which first manifested as a TV drama, now culminates in a new play that deeply scrutinizes their revered union, revealing a narrative of coercive control beneath the facade of a model marriage.
The play opens in the somber latter years of Victoria's extensive reign at Windsor Castle. Amanda Boxer portrays the elderly Queen as a "fretful owl" clad in black bombazine, a character both withered and imperious, yet not immune to self-pity, lamenting her state as "a poor widow with no one to support me through all my tribulations." An avid diarist throughout her life, her children express concern over the potentially revealing contents of her candid journals, fearing their publication after her death.
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Unseen Drawings by Tove Jansson, Creator of the Moomins, to Feature in London Exhibition
Previously unseen drawings by Tove Jansson, the Finnish artist and writer behind the globally popular Moomin books, will be exhibited in London. The Moomins, described as lovable trolls with hippopotamus snouts who live in harmony with nature, have sold up to 30 million copies since Jansson cr
Mr T: I Pity the Fool Review – A Rare Chance with an Electrifying Star… And They Blew It
Reflecting on childhood memories, one might ask when was the last time entertainment rivaled the joy of watching "The A-Team." For many, the documentary "Mr T: I Pity the Fool" evokes the iconic character of B.A. Baracus, the genius engineer and fan-favorite from the soldiers of fortu
Review: I Made You a Mixtape - Energetic Dorm Party Fun
"I Made You a Mixtape" is an undefinable, vibrant, and somewhat chaotic performance, unlike any other. As director Christie Lee Manning of Response Theatre Company explains, it's not strictly a play, musical, or dance show, despite being predominantly dance-focused with th
Chris Carter is mistaken if he thinks more gore will bring The X-Files: I Want to Believe back to life
While director's cuts are often lauded, "The X-Files: I Want to Believe – Vrach Frankenshteyn," a new version released on Disney+, is unlikely to change critical opinions of the original 2008 film. Director Chris Carter has emphasized the new version's graphic additions, b
Lara Ricote: Inkling Review – This Fizzy Stand-Up’s Smart New Set is Her Best Yet
Lara Ricote delivers a rich and enjoyable show with "Inkling," a significant step forward from her already impressive early work. The Mexican-American comedian remains as endearing as ever, her drive to connect with the audience evident in a performance exploring how to decipher life's messages,
France-Lise McGurn: The Art of Embracing Life's Complexities
Artist France-Lise McGurn embraces the intricate nature of life, acknowledging that while parties are enjoyable, they eventually end. Her latest exhibition at Dundee Contemporary Arts, titled "The Charm Offensive," marks a significant expansion of her dynamic and vital paintings to an