This was a compelling piece of theatre. I found the dialogue to be intelligent, the acting mesmerising and the atmosphere in this small theatre electrifying. A directorial triumph I think.
The Burton Taylor Studio is an appropriate setting for a play which is largely about a volatile relationship between a man and his wife.
The Lion in Winter is set in the court of the ageing King Henry II, as power games are played out between the monarch, his manipulative wife, his mistress and his sons. There is a pervasive theme of power and the loss of power, in both love and politics.
The production was presented against a very simple backdrop, allowing the lines their full power in terms of humour and impact. The young cast were confident and adept with their roles, well-spoken and particularly good at allowing the dark humour of the play to come to the fore.
The family dynamics were acted well. Katie Leviten as Eleanor of Acquitaine performed particularly well in a demanding role, playing a woman with considerable experience and bitterness, conjuring up both age and power in her performance.
The actors brought out strong traits in their characters without lapsing into caricature. The scenes between the three sons, each vying for the throne, were convincing and enjoyable. All three created a real feeling of sibling love, resentment and competition. Brian McMahon as Henry II was sharp and clever, if perhaps a little slight for the role of a warrior.
The performance was strong and energetic, the only complaint could be the slight clumsiness in some movement on stage - the more physical moments weren’t so convincing - and in scene changes. In some ways the casting didn’t help the actors, with most slightly struggling to play older, more substantial characters. This aside, the play was excellent drama, well played and convincing.