Edward II review: The real-life downfall of England’s gay king – told through a daringly modern lens

(Image: Royal Shakespeare Company)

It seemed like every literary gay in Warwickshire and the surrounding counties–plus Sir Ian McKellen!–was out in force in Stratford-upon-Avon last week, for press night of the Royal Shakespeare Company‘s first new production of Edward II since 1990.

Having arrived early, Attitude got a good look at all of them: upon entering the auditorium, attendees were invited to process around the coffin of the deceased Edward I. Although the ushers, torn between efficiency and immersion, seemed unsure whether to guide or deter us. Nevertheless, the pomp and circumstance–we fought the urge to steal a very realistic looking crown–was intoxicating, and the opportunity to play the actor thrilling, like breaking the fourth wall in reverse.

(Image: RSC) (Image: RSC) (Image: RSC)

On ‘curtain up’, we were

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