By Royal Appointment at Theatre Royal Nottingham Review
Laura Main (The Dresser) and Jane Asher (The Queen). Photo: Robert Day.
If you’re fascinated by the late Queen Elizabeth II and all the stories surrounding her relationship with her dresser, Angela Kelly, By Royal Appointment offers an intriguing glimpse behind the public image of the monarch. Currently touring the UK, the production stars Jane Asher as Queen Elizabeth II and Laura Main as her dresser.
Don’t go along expecting The Crown, though. This is a much more intimate and slower-paced look at the woman behind the public image.
This new stage play, written by Daisy Goodwin, the creator of ITV’s Victoria, cleverly explores the Queen through something that was an important part of her public identity - her clothes.
From brightly coloured coats and carefully chosen hats to the ever-present handbag, the production reveals that very little about what the Queen wore was accidental.
The real heart of the story, though, is the relationship between the Queen and her dresser, Gigi. The character is inspired by Angela Kelly, who worked closely with the Queen for almost three decades.
The play gives audiences a fascinating glimpse into the extraordinary relationship between the monarch and someone who was unusually close to her, often causing friction with fellow members of the Royal Household and senior members of the Royal Family too.
Jane Asher is excellent as the Queen. She doesn't attempt to create a caricature or exaggerated impersonation. Instead, she captures the familiar mannerisms, dry humour and quiet authority perfectly. There is something particularly poignant about watching her portray the Queen across the final years of her life, particularly when preparing for the funeral of her beloved husband, the Duke of Edinburgh, during the Covid pandemic.
Laura Main is equally good as the feisty dresser Gigi, bringing plenty of warmth, humour and energy to the role. She provides a good contrast to Jane Asher’s more restrained Queen, and their often sparky relationship is one of the highlights of the production.
Gigi is clearly fond of the Queen but isn't afraid to challenge her, giving audiences an entertaining glimpse of a relationship far removed from the formality normally associated with the Royal Household. The Queen certainly isn't impressed by fancy accents either!
The play also brings together The Queen’s Designer, played by David Robb, and The Milliner, played by Matthew Cottle, whose relationship provides some wonderfully funny moments. Matthew Cottle, in particular, brings plenty of energy and humour to the production.
Set in one room, the story moves through a series of different periods of the Queen's reign, from 1969 through to the final days of her life. Rather than concentrating on political drama or royal scandals, it shows how the Queen's clothes could communicate something she couldn't necessarily say herself, offering a completely different perspective on her role.
Before each scene, audiences are given a snapshot of the events taking place in that particular year- from politics and national events to popular culture. This is a useful touch, particularly for younger members of the audience who may not remember some of the events being referenced.
However, this is also where the play loses its way a little. With so many separate scenes, many following a very similar format, the production becomes somewhat repetitive as it progresses. There are only so many variations on discussions about dresses, hats, handbags and the Queen's relationship with Gigi you can have before the pace begins to feel a little laboured.
There are also moments when the play feels more nostalgic than dramatic, so anyone looking for a gripping royal drama may find it lacking in momentum. Having said that, for those who loved the Queen and enjoy getting a glimpse of the person behind the institution, there is plenty to enjoy.
There is, of course, an added emotional quality to the production now. Seeing the Queen recreated on stage, while knowing how her story ultimately ended, gives some of the lighter moments an unexpected poignancy.
The final scene, depicting the Queen’s final engagement with outgoing Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his successor Liz Truss, is particularly moving, with several audience members visibly becoming emotional.
If you enjoyed The Crown, Victoria, royal history or simply have a soft spot for the late Queen, By Royal Appointment is a warm, funny and affectionate tribute. It offers a fascinating reminder that sometimes a coat, a hat or a handbag can say rather more than words.
By Royal Appointment is at Theatre Royal, Nottingham until 10th October 2026.
★★★
Written by Bella for Theatre and Tonic, October 2026.