The Royal Shakespeare Company have opened their latest show, Edward II, based on the life of the English monarch who reigned between 1307 and 1327. The play was originally written by Christopher Marlowe in 1592, and focuses on Edward’s controversial relationship with Piers Gaveston.
The new iteration stars double Olivier Award-winning actor and RSC Co-Creative Director Daniel Evans as Edward II, while Eloka Ivo plays Piers Gaveston.
As with many Queer historical stories, it’s not exactly clear whether Piers Gaveston was Edward’s lover, sworn brother or “close friend”. But it is known that he was exiled for arrogance and brought back by the king on more than one occasion. That’s tea.
Director Daniel Raggett has called Edward II, “A love story with a political edge.
“This 400-year-old play has plenty to say about the supposedly liberal and progressive times in which we now live: when King Edward wants to rule alongside the man he loves, how much change can the establishment tolerate, and at what cost?”
Edward II runs at the Swan Theatre in Stratford-Upon-Avon until April 5 2025. Tickets are available here.
