I went to see this show on a complete whim. It sounded interesting and was at Wilton's Music Hall, the oldest grand music hall in the world. The Crown Duel is a 2 handed, 70 minuet version of the first two seasons of the Netflix series The Crown. I had high hopes as it's been created by Daniel Clarkson, one half of the successful team behind Potted Potter. It also had a sell out run when it premiered in London at the Kings Head theatre before traveling to this years Edinburgh Fringe. I wasn't disappointed. Its a barrel of laughs from the word go and makes one remember all that's good about theatre. It is also a great example of top notch theatrical timing and an evening full of satire and just being silly. Its also a show that was written specifically with the two actors in mind who perform in it, Rosie Holt and Brandan Murphy. These two are definitely perfectly suited to the roles. Rosie becoming more prominent on the comedy scene and Brandan being someone who regularly appears in Potted Potter.
Wilton's Music Hall is a lovely venue, with a history that goes back to the 1690s. The sight was originally a number of houses, shops and a pub. John Wilton then purchased the properties and went on to build the Victorian Music Hall as it now stands in 1859. He wanted to provide a first-rate and comfortable venue for the working people of the East End that would rival the glamour of venues in the West End. Since 1859 it has had many uses including a Methodist mission as well as a rag storage unit. Beginning in 2004 it went through steady restoration work which was completed in 2015. The restoration has been very sympathetic to the original features of the theatre. You can just feel the history, It has a feeling as soon as you walk into it, like no other theatre in London. EVERY theatre lover or enthusiast needs to come here at least once on their lives.
I'm a great fan of The Crown on Netflix, as well as a fan of Potted Potter, so I was interested to see just how this show would present itself. Oh wow is it stunning. Yes there is audience interaction, which long time readers of my blog will know is something I truly do not like, but it seemed to work well in this context. It did go on a little too much though, but I think it helped that I wasn't called upon. There was also a number of jokes which seemed to be repeated far too often, for example the telephone operator being a 'non-speaking role'.
Rosie Holt really did portray The Queen rather well, showing respect but also making it exceptionally comedic. It helped that the script was more focused of some of the failings of the Netflix series The Crown rather than Queen Elizabeth II life itself. Every one was laughing along to what we know were jokes that were coming from a place of love. Brandan is also great, with perfect comedic timing and an attitude that suits theatrical comedy. He and Rosie play off each other wonderfully, and its an absolute joy to watch.
It doesn't matter if you've seen The Crown or not, this is still a show that you will enjoy. You need to be quick though. There are only a few days left, with the show finishing on the 14th September 2019. Get a ticket now. You'll be in for a fun night.
Wilton's Music Hall is a lovely venue, with a history that goes back to the 1690s. The sight was originally a number of houses, shops and a pub. John Wilton then purchased the properties and went on to build the Victorian Music Hall as it now stands in 1859. He wanted to provide a first-rate and comfortable venue for the working people of the East End that would rival the glamour of venues in the West End. Since 1859 it has had many uses including a Methodist mission as well as a rag storage unit. Beginning in 2004 it went through steady restoration work which was completed in 2015. The restoration has been very sympathetic to the original features of the theatre. You can just feel the history, It has a feeling as soon as you walk into it, like no other theatre in London. EVERY theatre lover or enthusiast needs to come here at least once on their lives.
I'm a great fan of The Crown on Netflix, as well as a fan of Potted Potter, so I was interested to see just how this show would present itself. Oh wow is it stunning. Yes there is audience interaction, which long time readers of my blog will know is something I truly do not like, but it seemed to work well in this context. It did go on a little too much though, but I think it helped that I wasn't called upon. There was also a number of jokes which seemed to be repeated far too often, for example the telephone operator being a 'non-speaking role'.
Rosie Holt really did portray The Queen rather well, showing respect but also making it exceptionally comedic. It helped that the script was more focused of some of the failings of the Netflix series The Crown rather than Queen Elizabeth II life itself. Every one was laughing along to what we know were jokes that were coming from a place of love. Brandan is also great, with perfect comedic timing and an attitude that suits theatrical comedy. He and Rosie play off each other wonderfully, and its an absolute joy to watch.
It doesn't matter if you've seen The Crown or not, this is still a show that you will enjoy. You need to be quick though. There are only a few days left, with the show finishing on the 14th September 2019. Get a ticket now. You'll be in for a fun night.
For more information or to book tickets for the show, please click here
To learn more about Wilton's Music Hall, please click here.
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