Review: EDWARD II, RSC
Photo credit: Helen Murray
After taking over as Co-Artistic Director at the RSC in 2023, Daniel Evans takes on the title role in Daniel Raggett’s production of Edward II.
In Christopher Marlowe’s Edward II, King Edward II of England's reign is marred by his noticeable favouritism toward his close companions, particularly Piers Gaveston, which causes tension with the nobility. The conflict escalates when Edward's wife, Queen Isabella, and her ally, Roger Mortimer, plot to overthrow the King. After a series of betrayals, Edward is deposed and imprisoned, and his son, Edward III, is crowned. The power struggle then reaches its brutal conclusion.
The audience walk in to King Edward I lying-in-state and are encouraged to join in the procession and pay their respects. This immersive experience is a welcome opportunity to take in the famous stage at the stunning Swan Theatre. The artistic choices of the RSC are mirrored in their current production of Hamlet, which also opens with a King’s funeral.
An understated set allows the story to take centre stage. A simple mosaic floor expands and retracts to reveal royal banquets, a lamp lit street and a castle dungeon with a filthy pool of water, where our King spends his most tortured moments, claiming “ah, pardon me! Grief makes me lunatic”. There are some bolder visual choices too such as retro televisions, modern clothing and a wonderfully royal banquet. A modernised version of Edward II is welcome, however these artistic choices leaves the audience confused as to which era this play is taking place.
One of the real strengths is a live band, situated visibly at the top of the stage. The music creates impactful and dramatic tension throughout this tragedy. A mixture of tones, incidental music and sound effects means this play is barely silent and is flooded with atmosphere.
Daniel Evans plays a purposefully unlikeable, yet sensitive King and is fully invested in this historical role. Although there are quips of humour, this is a violent and shocking story with multiple deaths. Eloka Ivo plays a young and vulnerable Gaveston, making a heartbreaking and haunting scene as his character meets his fatal and shocking end. Gaveston crying out, clearly afraid, takes his last breath as blood drips quietly onto the mosaic floor. This is a brave take on Marlowe’s lesser known tale and is fully committed to its homo erotic tendencies, showing both lust and love between men in full and unapologetic view. Although it was gripping at times, particularly during the more violent and conflict scenes, it lacks depth and would benefit with a little more time at 1 hour 40 minutes (no interval).
A heartbreaking tale of star-crossed lovers, born in an unforgiving time. Certainly not for the faint hearted, this production of Edward II is a cacophony of passion, betrayal and gut-wrenching horror with a talented ensemble at the helm.
*** Three stars
Reviewed by: Sophie Eaton
Edward II plays at the RSC’s Swan Theatre until 5 April, with further info here.