The Lion in Winter - rehearsed reading

Coward Studio

The original Succession, The Lion in Winter takes place over one Christmas, when the royal family gathers at their castle in France.

Despite being royalty, their arguments match any family at Christmas—only they’re battling over crowns and land, not who gets the remote.

Henry wants to enjoy the holidays with his mistress, Alais. His estranged wife Eleanor, released from prison for Christmas (where Henry sent her for leading a rebellion against him), has other plans. She favours their eldest surviving son, Richard, for the throne, while Henry backs their youngest, John. Middle child Geoffrey, nobody’s favourite and everyone’s threat, is playing both sides masterfully.

Then Philip, Alais’ brother and King of France, arrives, reminding Henry that Alais was promised to Henry’s heir as part of a long-standing peace treaty between England and France. In this festive game where kingdoms are at stake, each must use their wits to survive the holidays intact.

Fast-paced and packed with clever lines, The Lion in Winter was made into an Oscar-winning film starring Peter O’Toole and Katharine Hepburn.

Tickets: £5.00