Elizabeth I

Synopsis

Elizabethan England, 16th Century. A traveling troupe of actors brings history to life with wit, satire, and a touch of the surreal.

Elizabeth I centres around a group of itinerant actors who perform their version of the life of Queen Elizabeth I. The actors are constantly harassed by Puritans and Cambridge Dons, which adds a layer of tension and comedy to their performances. The narrative takes a whimsical turn when the real Queen Elizabeth appears during one of their shows, particularly distressed by the portrayal of the beheading of her rival, Mary, Queen of Scots.

The play explores themes of power, politics, and performance, highlighting Elizabeth as both a monarch and a folk hero striving for peace in a turbulent, war-driven world. Foster’s script cleverly blends historical events with theatrical burlesque, offering a fresh and irreverent take on the life and times of Elizabeth I.