I, Elizabeth - Lighthouse, Poole's Centre for the Arts (From Daily Echo)

I, Elizabeth - Lighthouse, Poole's Centre for the Arts

11:20am Thursday 18th October 2012 in Stage Reviews By John Billington

NOBLE and impressive enterprise, this one-woman production uses only Elizabeth the First’s own writings and recorded conversations to capture the character of a monarch whose legacy has dominated English history and who occupies a large niche in our national consciousness.

Talented writer-performer Rebecca Vaughan focuses on the early part of the reign, well before the execution of Mary, Queen of Scots, using Elizabeth’s words to reveal a determined and resolute ruler, preferring marriage to her country rather than any foreign prince or favoured subject.

This is not an Elizabeth of blackened teeth and wispy hair, but a younger queen ably defending her ability and right to rule but beset by fears of insurrection and betrayal.

The chequered set echoes a life dogged with political manoeuvrings and potentially bloody outcomes. However, even the opportunity of hearing beautiful poetry and impressive phrases penned by the Queen herself cannot save the evening from being somewhat repetitive.

This is a performance to delight an avid Elizabethan enthusiast rather than to illuminate her for a wider audience.