I, Elizabeth is a moving, emotional and passionate production. It shows Elizabeth I, frustrated and pondering, after receiving a letter from the nobles and Lords of England with regards to matters concerning her marriage and her heir. She has a dilemma at hand, and is unsure as to whether to speak out or keep quiet.
Rebecca Vaughan plays a five star role as Elizabeth, giving her all and more to the performance, confiding in the audience as though they are her closest confidants. The audience feels as if they have been transported back in time to the late 1600s, and are actually there with Elizabeth I, in her privy chamber, listening to her predicaments, thoughts and problems, and have been trusted with the position of giving council to her majesty. You are made aware of, and drawn into, the catch 22 situations which were experienced by the strong, sarcastic, yet amusing monarch during her reign.
Throughout the show you become aware of just how difficult a job this Queen had, balancing her nobles and advisers, and keeping everyone satisfied so as not to create a situation where she is turned against and replaced. The difficulty of her relationship with Robert Dudley and how that affected her as a woman and queen, her perplexity with how to handle the situation with her cousin Mary Stuart, and how she felt disinclined to marry as she felt that she was married to England is all explored.
The costume is fantastic, the acting superb, and the content brilliant. A definite must see for history and theatre addicts.
5/5 
Sandi Hunter
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