Queen Anne play

"Queen Anne" is a 2015 play by British playwright Helen Edmundson that explores the life of Queen Anne of Great Britain, focusing on her relationship with Sarah Churchill, Duchess of Marlborough. The play spans from just before Anne's accession in 1702 to the death of her husband George in 1708 and highlights how much Anne was influenced by Sarah during this period. Premiered at the Swan Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon in November 2015 under the direction of Natalie Abrahami, the play later moved to London's Theatre Royal Haymarket in June 2017. Emma Cunniffe reprised her role as Anne, while Romola Garai played Sarah. The plot revolves around political intrigue and personal relationships. It begins with a satire mocking Princess Anne's phantom pregnancy, which leads Abigail Hill (later Anne's confidante) to meet Jonathan Swift and Robert Harley, who manipulate her into gathering information for their Tory cause. Anne is influenced by Sarah and the Whigs early in her reign but later shifts toward a Tory line, supporting acts like the Occasional Conformity Act 1711 and the Act of Union 1707 after replacing Sidney Godolphin with Harley. Sarah's relationship with Anne deteriorates when she arranges for Arthur Maynwaring to write a satirical pamphlet attacking Abigail. This leads to further political satire aimed at Sarah and her husband, John Churchill, resulting in Sarah's resignation. Tensions between Sarah and her husband escalate, leading him to flee England. Their final meeting ends without reconciliation. The play also features a notable cast, including Emma Cunniffe as Anne ...