The A level students went to see an updated version of Christopher Marlowe’s play at the Royal Exchange Theatre where the original 14^th century setting was swopped for the 1950s.

 

Danny Price, Head of Performing Arts at Loreto, said the play was effective in making parallels to a rapidly changing post-war Britain.

 

The play follows the story of Edward II and how on ascension to the English throne, he calls back his beloved ally Piers Gaveston.  But this close relationship throws the court and Edward's marriage into disarray and threatens to destabilise an entire country. 

 

Mr Price said the visit had been a thoroughly enjoyable and educational night out and for many of the students it had been the first time they had been to the theatre.

 

“The production clearly outlines the opposition between traditionalism and liberalism,” he said, “through clever costuming and a well-designed minimal set it managed to capture the grandeur of the King’s coronation and the gloomy dungeon where Edward spends the last days of his life.”

 

Students have been studying the play in preparation for their DRAM 1 exam: Live Theatre Productions Seen.