Writer John Goldsmith has been working for decades, having several novels published and writing for film and television since the late 80s, but it is only now he has penned a piece for the stage. The Throne, an unlikely encounter which throws together Her Majesty the Queen with a staunch republican science teacher, writes Christopher Peacock.
Set in 2002 during the Queen’s Golden Jubilee, a Dudley comprehensive school prepares for a royal visit to open a new science block. The visit and the setting up of a portacabin toilet for the sole use of Her Majesty has set tensions high among staff. Head of Science Derek Jones, played by Charlie Condou, shuts himself in the designated toilet to avoid the fanfare, only to be walked in on by Her Majesty. When they try to leave they find out that they have been locked in and a bomb scare means that they are likely to be in there for a while whilst security staff work on nullifying the terrorist threat.
The set up lends itself to farce and humour: the forced cooperation and the close proximity of two people whose views and lives are worlds apart. Their differences are the primary content of the discussions between the two, highlighting their experiences and debating their opinions. It’s in conversation about constitutional monarchies and Princess Diana where you feel the drama is going to ramp up and catch light, however, aided with Anthony Biggs direction, it stays rather muted.
The performances of Mary Roscoe as the Queen and Condou in the science teacher role do have their moments. Roscoe captures the voice and tone of the Queen well and takes some comic liberties without verging on caricature. Condou’s neurotic and pedantic Derek Jones is earnest in his republicanism and socialist views but is disappointingly watered down with an apologist u-turn at the end.
And it is towards the end where the play struggles most. In the programme notes Goldsmith admits that for years he “hadn’t got a clue as to how to end the story” and this is probably the reason why. The pace slows up and we are left just looking for a way out. Although billed as a comedy the laughs are hard to come by. There are a couple of satirical lines that catch a laugh but this inconceivable premise needs more pace and sharper wit to really get things going.
Not a bad idea but would probably work better as a sketch or radio play.
Charing Cross Theatre, The Arches, Villiers Street, London WC2N 6NL until July 30th. Times: Monday – Saturday 7.30pm; Wednesday & Saturday matinee 2.30pm. Admission: £22.00 – £36.50
Booking: www.charingcrosstheatre.co.uk – 08444 93065
