The Audience, Apollo Theatre ***

As a disclaimer, I would describe myself as a republican. I see no use to the royal family other than for tourism. I have no sympathy for the argument that it is a hard job for the royals. Therefore the Audience was always going to be a hard sell. Certainly for the first Act, Peter Morgan's play had no real effect on me. The PMs, bar Wilson, lacked any character and felt more like impersonations than anything more developed. Morgan's writing lacks depth and by only giving the majority of the prime ministers as scene each, there is no space for the audience to form any real relationship with them. However, the Second Act felt refreshingly different. The fall of Wilson tugs at heart strings and, by the end, you even start to slightly feel for the queen. This is mainly due to Kristin Scott Thomas' subtle and complex queen. She dominates the stage and oozes elegance whilst also showing a human being at times, showing her vulnerability. The rest of the cast are also good with le Touzel giving a notable portrayal of Thatcher and Woodeson a portrayal of Wilson that captures the man's strong character that isn't softened by Alzheimers. Crowley's set is clever in creating a room bigger than any stage could portray yet feels slightly two dimensional at times. The costume changes are devised cleverly to capture the change of the Queen over the years. This production is the best a play about the queen could be whilst not taking a side but doesn't altogether escape the feeling of a gimmick for tourists.