Edward II
Christopher Marlowe’s historical play, Edward II, is thought to be based on true life. Telling the tale of King Edward II and his obsession with Gaveston, whom he has showered with titles and money and intends to rule with him by his side, his wife and son mostly forgotten. However, powerful royals, Mortimer, Warwick, Lancaster, and Pembroke are not accepting of this and alongside the Queen, Isabella, plot to exile and then murder Gaveston whilst trying to keep Edward onside. Eventually gaining the King’s brother, Kent, to their way of thinking they turn him against his brother. Although, with Mortimer now in charge, could he have ulterior motives for getting Edward out of the way?
Daniel Evans, the RSC’s current Co-Artistic Director appears as Edward II. It is a powerful performance, with moments moving between distaste and anger at his surrounding betrayals, to love and admiration with his beloved Gaveston (played by Eloka Ivo) to despair at his untimely removal as King.
Stavros Demetraki as Spencer and Kwaku Mills as Baldock, Gaveston’s companions and allies have a great chemistry and their dialogue bounces back and forth delightfully.
Directed by Daniel Raggett, with Movement Directors Anthony Matsena and Kel Matsena and Fight Direction by Kev McCurdy, there are many moments of choreographed killings which have the elements of tension and shock combined beautifully, keeping the audience engaged.
Leslie Travers Set and Costume Design is remarkable, creating levels on the stage without actually moving levels, from the Palace through to the dank watery depths of Edward’s prison, the levels are peeled away to reveal more of the contrasts of this story.
Whilst the story itself was highly controversial in the day of its origin, the attitudes towards societal ties have not changed a great deal. We do not see openly gay members of royalty or many parliamentary representatives in current times and this leaves us to question what would happen if we did? Would this lead to the modern-day equivalent of what has played out here? A coup to deliver a more “acceptable” or “manly” portrait of leadership? That is certainly a sad state of affairs.
This is a heavy performance played out highlighting the darkest sides of humanity, but an important lesson none the less.
This show was reviewed on the 5th March 2025 at The RSC, Stratford upon Avon where it runs until the 5th April 2025. Tickets available here: About the play | Edward II | Royal Shakespeare Company
Review written by Rachel Louise Martin
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Photo credit : Helen Murray
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