RSC Edward II- 2025 Review

I love Christopher Marlowe, so I was so excited when the RSC announced Edward II as part of their season. It's such a distinct History, and this play is so rarely produced due to its unique nature. The topic of queer rulers is one that is so rarely broached in the media today, and especially in Shakespeare's and Marlowe's time, and this play does not handle it gently at all. This is arguably reflected in Marlowe's writing. Just listening or reading the text of this play, it's so clear that it's not Shakespeare. It lacks much of the over-the-top repetitive and flowery poetic language that is characteristic of Shakespeare. Marlowe's writing is far more to-the-point and direct, this play doesn't mess around with existentialism or nearly as many soliloquies as can be found in literally any other Shakespeare play (with maybe the exception of Coriolanus). I think the taboo nature of the subject-matter of this play is directly reflected in the fact that it is a relatively shorter play than others of its time. Edward II was the first English King to be deposed and is often referred to as England's first gay King, and his relationship with Gaveston is one of the most prominent themes and driving forces throughout this play. 

Directed by Daniel Raggett, this production was a brutal and modern interpretation of Marlowe's play. The play began with an opportunity for audience participation, by asking audiences to participate in the procession by walking up on stage and around the coffin of Edward I and 'pay respects.' This was a lovely touch, as the Swan Theatre is so small and intimate, that it really pulled audiences in. Leslie Traver's scenic design was really cool, with the top layer of the stage being pulled back to reveal the dungeon towards the end. It was a really cool reveal when it happened. The lighting design by Tim Lutkin was especially striking and really well-done, especially during Edward's death, and the fight choreography by Kev McCurdy was really good. 

Featuring RSC Co-Artistic Director Daniel Evans, in the titular role, this cast was really strong. Daniel's interpretation of Edward was really intriguing and lovely. Eloka Ivo as Gaveston was characteristically strong (buff), yet vulnerable. Henry Pettigrew as Kent delivered a really strong performance. I'm still very torn about Ruta Gedmintas' performance as Queen Isabella, I'm not sure her mannerisms fit within the world of the play, but I thought she had a bold and commanding presence.

The ending of this play is really intense. If you're not familiar with it, at the end of Edward II, he is executed- how do I put this gently- via a hot poker being shoved in from 'behind'. In this particular production, there was nudity in this scene, but I thought it was really well done, and tasteful. From where I was sitting, I didn't see anything, but my partner next to me had a very different experience. The scene itself was really really difficult to watch, my stomach was actually in knots in real time, so mission accomplished on the production's side. The set was really amazing for this part, with a pool of water splashing everywhere, and the use of harsh orange lighting made it a total sensory shock. The staging and direction overall were really strong. 

Rating: 4.5/5 stars