Previews begin for Shavian Restoration comedy In Good King Charles's Golden Days

Preview performances of In Good King Charles’Äôs Golden Days, George Bernard Shaw’Äôs Restoration romp begin Friday, April 17, 2009, at the Royal George Theatre.

A religious leader (Ric Reid), an artist (Ken James Stewart) and Charles II, the Merrie Monarch (Benedict Campbell), meet at Sir Isaac Newton’Äôs (Graeme Somerville) house. The set-up for a joke? No, it’Äôs Shaw’Äôs Restoration comedy, where debates on everything ’Äì from geometry to art to love potions ’Äì ensue.

First produced in 1939, Shaw’Äôs history lesson in three acts is a witty and decidedly Shavian take on some great men (and women) of history. The play’Äôs subtitle, "A True History that Never Happened", gives insight into Shaw’Äôs whimsical approach to this fascinating and humorous discussion piece. Shaw pondered what would happen if several prominent and influential men of history met at the height of their powers? What debates and discussions would this gathering inspire? And what if this discussion was, on occasion, interrupted by one or several of the King’Äôs mistresses? The result is a lively dialogue spanning both the serious and comedic on a wide-range of topics.

Artistic Director Jackie Maxwell considers this brilliant ensemble piece ’Äúa glorious opportunity for our actors to display their unparalleled gifts for Shavian comic mayhem.’Äù In Good King Charles’Äôs Golden Days also features Shaw Ensemble members Laurie Paton, Esther Maloney, Mary Haney, Nicola Correia-Damude, Claire Jullien, Lisa Codrington and Andrew Bunker.

Directed by Eda Holmes, director of last season’Äôs The Little Foxes and the highly acclaimed 2004 Shaw Festival production of the musical Floyd Collins, In Good King Charles’Äôs Golden Days has set design by Camellia Koo, costume design by Michael Gianfrancesco, lighting design by Bonnie Beecher and fight direction by John Stead. The stage management team includes Stage Manager Beatrice Campbell, Assistant Stage Manager Barry Burns and Production Stage Manager Judy Farthing.

In Good King Charles’Äôs Golden Days begins preview performances Friday, April 17; opens Thursday, May 21; and plays in repertory until Friday, October 9. In Good King Charles’Äôs Golden Days is generously sponsored by the Producers Circle.