Review: Scots pretender portrayed in Florentine decadence

 

Carluccio and the Queen of Hearts
Globe Theatre
Thursday, May 26


"Life," insists Charles Stuart, "is unfair."

His 30-years-younger wife, Louise de Stolberg, can only agree: passing yourself off as the Queen of England while living in Florence with a coarse, cantankerous and bitter Pretender for a husband is a fate that can be alleviated only by taking lovers - lots of them.

Written by George Rosie, a Scottish writer with an eye for history's quirkier corners, this unusual play, based largely on historical fact, focuses on Bonnie Prince Charlie's later days - no longer bonnie or a prince, he's deluded enough to imagine that the English throne still awaits him.

Louise's discontent and infidelities, Charles' drink-sodden irascibility and the machinations of agents of the English crown lead to a vitriolic showdown.

Joseph Cecchi gives an accomplished performance as the indolent, unpleasant Charles. Elsa May's pert, lively portrayal of Louise emphasises the contrast in the royal pair's ages and temperaments, and Emmett Hardie's mobile features and finely nuanced acting make Sir Horace Mann, the scheming English diplomat, perhaps the most interesting character in the whole sad and sorry tale.

Paul Ellicott as Count Vittorio Alfieri, Louise's lover, Sarah McCallion as Catherine de Maltzam, her lady-in-waiting, Christopher Summers as Jonathan Rudd, Mann's accomplice, and Robert Free as Charles' tolerant servant John Stewart complete the cast.

Nigel Ensor's production of this intriguing drama drew a sizeable audience, and appreciative applause, at the Globe on Thursday night.

- Barbara Frame

 

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