The Lion In Winter

by James Goldman

a

Hull Truck Studio Theatre
Aug 2-6 2011

King Henry II gathers his family around him in order to name his successor. Henry promises the kingship to his favourite son, John. Eleanor of Aquitaine, Henry’s scheming and captive wife, wants Richard, her favourite, to succeed his father. Geoffrey, the middle son, is left with nothing but a vague promise to be John’s chancellor. With the fate of Henry's kingdom at stake, everybody engages in their own brand of deception and treachery to stake their claim to the throne. 

Cast

Henry II Ray Rumkee
Alais Clare Froud
Richard Andy Hodgson
Geoffrey Mike Acaster
John Neal Coulman
Eleanor of Aquitaine Ailsa Oliver
Philip Richard Foot
Servants Peter Shally
* Jackie Porter

Directed by Ray Rumkee

*

Dastardley and Muttley

Quote, Unquote  This was another opportunity not to be missed!!  The script was bitingly funny - although during rehearsals, as often happens, I'd forgotten just how funny it could be.  It was a great experience working at Hull Truck, so well done to Ray for pulling that off. The cast and backstage crew were a brilliant team to work with, and everyone gave it the maximum possible. The costumes were fab, and big thanks to Helen for the lovely crowns. I'm finding it difficult to pick out highlights from a production that had so much to commend it, but I think I will always remember the carrot gag! Ailsa
This was the first time I have performed at the iconic Hull Truck Theatre and it has been a wonderful experience for me. I have enjoyed working with such talented people, both on the stage and behind the scenes. Geoffrey was an interesting character to play, and I enjoyed the challenge. I want to thank everyone who helped me get in, and out, of my costume. Also, thanks to Ray for his excellent direction, and for having the faith to cast me in the role Mike
What fun. What pure pleasure. This must have been one of the wittiest scripts the Chameleons have ever taken on. Someone commented that Richard is a bit of a one-note character, but it's one helluva note. Everyone else was perfect in their role, and Ray was a calm and humorous director. Add big, appreciative audiences (and the buzz about performing at Truck!), and a shower and sofa in the changing room. I will have very fond memories about this for a very long time Andy
Thanks to Ray for the opportunity to play such a great character. John was so simple, yet his relationships were so complicated - what a challenge. And thanks for my new found love of carrots Neal

Director's Commentary  Well, that was a fantastic experience; one of my favourite plays performed by a group of actors who absolutely brought all their characters to life. It really couldn’t have had a better cast and all of them brought an astonishing degree of commitment. I have never known a rehearsal period where so many people were off the book so quickly and this helped to create a real energy from the off. Mike and Richard, particularly, grabbed their opportunities with both hands and revealed sides of themselves never seen on stage before. Ailsa and Clare took strong female roles and really stamped their personalities on them. Andy was professionalism personified, and Neal showed, once again, that he is the master of the funny prop – in this case a selection of dodgy looking carrots. Add to that an incredibly strong backstage team in Peter and Jackie, and the fastest prompt in  the west, Sharon, who was also, along with Helen, the creator of our  amazing array of costumes, one of the elements that make our shows look so good.  Of course, I haven’t even mentioned the sheer thrill of us being at Hull Truck, an experience that I hope the Chameleons will be able to enjoy again in the future Ray

a