From the writer behind the sell-out success of The Appleton Ladies Potato Race, Ensemble Theatre presents the world premiere of Melanie Tait’s The Queen’s Nanny this September.
The Queen’s Nanny follows the life of Marion ‘Crawfie’ Crawford, the nanny of princesses Lilibet and Margaret. For 17 years, Crawfie educated and cared for the girls, becoming a treasured part of their lives. Often, sacrificing her own happiness for theirs.
When Crawfie writes a revealing memoir about the little princesses, she is shunned from the family, completely. The catch is: she thought she had permission.
A thought-provoking take on motherhood, class, privilege and colonisation – it asks many questions about who gets to tell whose story and how it is some lives are considered more important than others.
“This play is taking back history from the literal ruling class, trying to understand a woman whose story has been lost to time,” said playwright Melanie Tait. “Crawfie was the woman who raised one of the most important figures of the 20th (and possibly 21st) Century.
“Queen Elizabeth II was quite unlike anyone in her family before or after her – her stoicism, devotion and duty come from her Scottish nanny?” added Tait.
Directed by Priscilla Jackman (STC’s RBG: Of Many, One), the cast includes Elizabeth Blackmore (The Vampire Diaries) as Crawfie, alongside Matthew Backer (STC’s Strange Case Of Dr Jekyll And Mr Hyde) and Emma Palmer (Benefactors).
“Through Crawfie, we are invited into conversations about who is entitled to tell whose story, and how stories handed down through history are shaped by the powerful,” said Jackman (STC’s RBG: Of Many, One). “The play is a fun, artistically lyrical, provocative and playful Australian take on an unknown royal scandal.”
Filled with iconic historical characters, laughs and a uniquely Australian take on the Royals, Melanie Tait’s newest play is an incredible true story not to be missed.
Director: Priscilla Jackman | Featuring: Matthew Backer, Elizabeth Blackmore, Emma Palmer | Assistant Director: Miranda Middleton | Set Designer: Michael Hankin | Costume Designer: Genevieve Graham | Lighting Designer: Morgan Moroney | Composer and Sound Designer: James Peter Brown | Dialect & Voice Coach: Jennifer White | Movement Coach: Tim Dashwood | Stage Manager: Sean Proude | Assistant Stage Manager: Madelaine Osborn | Costume Supervisor: Lily Mateljan | Production Management Secondment: Sherydan Simson | Stage Management Secondment: Chelsea McGuffin | Playwright: Melanie Tait
The Queen’s Nanny
Ensemble Theatre, 78 McDougall Street, Kirribilli (North Sydney)
Season: 6 September – 12 October 2024
Information and Bookings: www.ensemble.com.au
Image: Elizabeth Blackmore stars as Marion ‘Crawfie’ Crawford in The Queen’s Nanny (supplied)