The notion of a face-to-face meeting between Elizabeth I and an actual pirate would be a delicious recipe under any circumstances, but when that pirate is both female and an Irish rebel, the whole thing becomes just irresistible. A great many historical plays get bogged down in the language, but Beardsley gives us antique stylings that remain light on their feet and completely comprehensible. Verbal fencing leads to physical swordplay, but note that it's the men who resort to violence. Waiting in the wings are two haunts from Gloriana's past, the theatrical icing on this holy, unruly cake.
The notion of a face-to-face meeting between Elizabeth I and an actual pirate would be a delicious recipe under any circumstances, but when that pirate is both female and an Irish rebel, the whole thing becomes just irresistible. A great many historical plays get bogged down in the language, but Beardsley gives us antique stylings that remain light on their feet and completely comprehensible. Verbal fencing leads to physical swordplay, but note that it's the men who resort to violence. Waiting in the wings are two haunts from Gloriana's past, the theatrical icing on this holy, unruly cake.