Long Live The King?

Somewhere in the not-too-distant future, Charles, who has spent more than a lifetime patiently waiting for power as the Prince of Wales, finally ascends the throne. But all is not as the new monarch expected it to be, in this controversially brave new play from Mike Bartlett. How to rule this new tumultuous country? Inspired by the histories of Shakespeare, Olivier Award-winning King Charles III has bowled over the Brits, and now transfers to the great white way in search of equal success.

What's the story?

As Prince Charles (Tim Pigott-Smith) finally becomes Charles III following the death of the Queen, he is faced with a multitude of problems. One of his first official duties includes signing a new act restricting the freedom of the press, which he refuses, causing political uproar and the threat of a new civil war. The problems don't stop as his daughter in-law Kate schemes with the Labour Prime Minister to have him abdicate in favour of William, days after his coronation.

Another challenge comes when Prince Harry wishes to rescind his royal titles and become a commoner, in order to marry a republican-leaning art student. Will the beleaguered Charles capitulate to those who hold the real power, or try to exercise the long-forgotten powers of the monarch to ensure his own survival, with the threat of war, usurpation and public hatred hanging over his newly crowned head?