BY ROYAL APPOINTMENT AT LOWRY, SALFORD

           BY ROYAL APPOINTMENT WORLD PREMIERE AT LOWRY, SALFORD                                                         Review by Natalie Anglesey


Let’s admit it – we secretly enjoy a peep behind the scenes - particularly when there’s a glimmer of royalty around.  The casting in By Royal Appointment at Lowry Salford, affords a behind the scenes peek into the world of one of our most popular monarchs and the image she presented to the world.

Soap and stage queen, Anne Reid plays a regal Queen Elizabeth II with just the right combination of nobility tempered with humanity. I’ve seen her do this both on and off stage and she’s an undoubted star. There are also enjoyable performances from Caroline Quentin as the under- rated Dresser in Daisy Goodwin’s debut play By Royal Appointment. 

The late Queen Elizabeth 11 was famous for her discretion. She never said anything in public that could ruffle feathers but she had one way of expressing what she really thought - through her wardrobe. We witness, in the background a series of projections, conceived by Nina Dunn, of her various fashions which may be of interest to some. Unfortunately, the conversations between Queen and her dresser, which are used to  move the plot on, become somewhat repetitive.  



This funny, poignant and celebratory new play is about the kind of power that only a Queen can wield – she charms the world through the contents of her wardrobe. But although the Queen herself is uninterested in fashion, her look is managed by her Designer, her Milliner and most powerful of all, her Dresser who was a working-class girl elevated from advising the Queen on the colour of her lipsticks to becoming her confidante. But the Dresser, like all royal favourites is living on borrowed time.

Unfortunately, Olivier Award-winning James Dreyfus  was unable to play the royal Milliner and was replaced by understudy Jeremy Drakes. Poldark legend James Wilby was impressive as the Designer. 

 


 By Royal Appointment is Daisy Goodwin’s debut play. For television, her writing credits include ITV historical drama series like Victoria which is when I first interviewed her after its considerable success.  Her novels include The Last Duchess, The Fortune Hunter, The American Heiress, Victoria and Diva. She has also curated eight poetry anthologies. As a producer, her many credits include Grand Designs and Escape to the Country.

Although the pace may falter sometimes, by the end the packed auditorium rose to its feet for a standing ovation. 

Directed by Dominic Dromgoole, By Royal Appointment concludes its world première UK tour at Lowry, Salford on Saturday 9th August 2025.

Audio Described: Thu 7 August at 2pm BSL Interpreted: Sat 9 August at 2pm  

www.thelowry.com.

 








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