An ideal play for a Group visit:

Springwood ****
at Hampstead Theatre (until 25 July)shows the meeting between newly established Royal couple, King George V1 (known by his family and close friends as Bertie) and Queen Elizabeth (who became the Queen Mother).

Pic: Manuela Harlan

As imagined by writer Richard Nelson, Franklin D Roosevelt (Robert Lindsay) and his wife, Eleanor (Jemma Redgrave) have invited King George V1 (Andrew Havill) and Queen Elizabeth (Rebecca Night) to stay with them at Franklin’s mother’s house, Springwood, in 1939. The highlight is to be a picnic with hot dogs with press cameras present. The King is keen to get the support of President Roosevelt and the US for the imminent war with Hitler.

Eleanor does not, in fact, sleep with her husband, who is having an affair with Daisy (Rachel Pickup), a distant cousin. Eleanor is, however, willing to play the part of First Lady.

Roosevelt is very disabled with polio, which he insists on hiding from the public. The King suffers with a stammer and struggles with public appearances. The two men bond together over their perceived inadequacies.

Robert Lindsay is excellent as the President who, in exchanges with Bertie, confides some of his secret fears, and desires. While Andrew Havill portrays the sensitive King in an exemplary manner. The two wives are well contrasted under Richard Nelson’s direction. Redgrave is a no-nonsense independent woman while Rebecca Night’s Elizabeth is more worried about being laughed at while eating hot dogs!

There are a number of references which reflect today’s Royals, including George saying he doesn’t speak to his brother.

It’s a fascinating play, giving an insight into a specific historical event and is very much worth a visit