☆★★★★ Falling In Love Again
Playwright
Ron Elisha describes a lot of his work as speculative history. His play, Falling
In Love Again, purports to be a true story that he discovered when listening to
a podcast about the life of Marlene Dietrich. Set on the eve of the abdication
of Edward VIII, it is the narrative of how Dietrich paid Edward a visit to his
home, Fort Belvedere in Windsor Great Park, in an effort to dissuade him from
giving up his throne for his ‘love’ of Wallace Simpson.
Royal fact
is always stranger than fiction - the truth is that Dietrich did try to see the
King but was turned away. Falling in Love Again moves the narrative on, whereby
Dietrich does get in and spends several hours before his abdication with
Edward, in an effort to persuade him not to give up the throne.
Elisha
weaves a fascinating, original ‘true’ story of Edward and Marlene amazingly
alone prior to such a momentous moment in history.
Ramona von
Pusch as Dietrich gives an assured, controlled performance as femme fatale,
movie star, chanteuse and smart operator - cleverly exploring the nuance of the
politics of the time, especially in relation to Germany and Hitler. She also
explores on many levels the depth of Edward’s true relationship/love with Mrs Simpson.
Ashton Spear as Edward VIII gives a
joyously regal interpretation of a monarch tortured by love, yet never really
losing his majestic privilege. His interpretation of the abdication speech was
masterful, becoming even more pertinent when Marlene’s singular amendment was
added to the text.
Falling In
Love Again benefits from Tama Matheson closely-observed direction. He cleverly
draws the conceit of both characters as they mutually demand, and ultimately
get attention. They were, after all, both royalty in their own realms!
In a week
when the monarchy has been under pressure from the actions of Prince Harry and
his American wife, Falling In Love Again simply reinforces the fact that there
is very little new in life. And especially in the Royal family!
Cast
King Edward VIII Ashton Spear
Marlene Dietrich Ramona von Pusch
Playwright Ron Elisha
Director Tama Matheson
Lighting Designer Jen Watson
Sound Designer Andy Divers
Stage/Production Manager Kitty Stafford-Clark
Runs from 14 January to 8 February 2020King Edward VIII Ashton Spear
Marlene Dietrich Ramona von Pusch
Playwright Ron Elisha
Director Tama Matheson
Lighting Designer Jen Watson
Sound Designer Andy Divers
Stage/Production Manager Kitty Stafford-Clark
Tickets: https://www.kingsheadtheatre.com/whats-on/falling-in-love-again/book
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