The stereotypical family Christmas always brings its fair share of quarrels and in the household of Henry II this is exactly what the Christmas of 1183 brings.
Henry has planned a reunion of his dysfunctional family; his estranged wife, Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine, who has been imprisoned for the last ten years by Henry for treason and his three sons Richard (the Lionheart), John and Geoffrey. His main aim is to name his successor.
However, Queen Eleanor is thirsty for freedom and ultimately power and is plotting with her sons against him. To complicate matters further Henry’s lover, Alais and her older brother King Phillip II of France are also there. As a result the brandy butter hits the fan and everyone ends up literally at each other’s throats.
Although the storyline does get a little complex at times, as director Craig Walton says, “if it all gets too much, don’t worry about the plot just enjoy the snarling and bitching”. |
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Alison Munro encapsulates the every mood of Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine and her performance dominates throughout the play. The rapport between her and Henry is completely believable, simultaneously flirtatious and full of hate; with some of the best put downs I’ve heard for a while.
John Ansari, who plays Henry, also deserves a mention, as he manages to portray Henry as the austere Royal with the empathic male trapped inside.
The Lion in Winter is a dark and comic drama that provides a fascinating look inside one (of) history’s most powerful families as they feud over the succession of the English throne.
If you’re a fan of the quintessential feel-good Christmas favourite “It’s a Wonderful life”, then you may not relate to this cut-throat world. If not then this is Plantagenet passion at its most fiery.
Ali Davies |
