Leeds is being given a treat this week as two stalwarts of British acting take to the stage in a fascinating new play.
Anne Reid stars as the late Queen Elizabeth II, while Caroline Quentin—best known for her role in Jonathan Creek—plays her dresser.
By Royal Appointment is a witty and poignant new work by Daisy Goodwin, the creator of ITV’s Victoria.
Known for her privacy and caution, Queen Elizabeth II is rarely portrayed with such intimacy. Set entirely in her dressing room, the play offers a rare glimpse behind palace doors, revealing the Queen’s reign through the eyes of her dresser—a no-nonsense, working-class woman who rises to become one of the most influential figures in the royal household. The character is inspired by Angela Kelly, who worked with the Queen from 1993, though the play imagines their relationship beginning in the 1960s.
As a constitutional monarch, the Queen was always aware of her need to remain neutral and composed—even through her clothing. We see her express emotion and intent through carefully chosen coats and hats, aided by her dresser, milliner and designer. The play explores the subtle power of image, loyalty and the quiet resilience of the women behind the throne. It’s a salute to friendship, fashion and the largely unknown rules of the British monarchy.
The strength of the production lies in its meticulous research and attention to detail. It begins in 2022, following the Queen’s death, as a curator (played by Grainne Dromgoole) approaches the dresser to help curate a new interactive exhibition of the Queen’s wardrobe. From there, we are taken back to the 1960s to witness the beginning of their working relationship. Each scene captures a key moment in the Queen’s life, as she and her team—designer (James Wilby) and milliner (James Dreyfus)—deliberate over what to wear and what message it might send.
These moments are interspersed with fast-paced narration from the curator, who provides historical context for each year we jump to, making it appear as though we’re in the interactive exhibition ourselves. Beautiful projections of hand-drawn costume designs accompany these transitions, adding a rich visual layer. I found it especially moving at the end when we saw real photographs of the Queen wearing the very outfits discussed throughout the play—highlighting the extraordinary level of research behind the production.
The acting, unsurprisingly, was superb. Anne Reid at age 90 —yes, 90 years old!—delivers a performance full of energy and clarity. While her portrayal of the Queen in the 1960s didn’t quite convince age-wise (a bit more help from costume and hair might have helped), her transformation through the decades was remarkable. Her accent and mannerisms were spot-on, and she brought both dignity and vulnerability to the role. Caroline Quentin was also strong. While her character’s age progression wasn’t entirely believable either, and I would have liked a more distinct working-class accent, given how often it was referenced, the dynamic between her and the Queen was compelling to watch.
You leave the production with a deep sense of how restrictive and all-consuming the roles of both women truly were. These weren’t just jobs—they were lifelong vocations. Yet, despite the weight of duty and the class divide that separated them, Reid and Quentin brought such sensitivity and grace to their performances that we felt the quiet, unspoken bond between them. Their mutual reliance was palpable, even within the constraints of their very different worlds.
This is a clever production. Though it all takes place in a single setting—the Queen’s dressing room—it never feels static or dull. Moments of humour, especially from the designer and milliner, keep the energy up and make the Queen’s death at the end all the more poignant. It’s not a flashy, high-octane show, but I was never bored for a second. You truly gained a sense of just how much society changed during the reign of Elizabeth II, as well as the fashion, and how many major events she lived through.
It won’t be for everyone. But if you’re interested in history, the Royal Family or fashion, you’ll find plenty to enjoy. I’m a big fan of British history and have always found the Royal Family fascinating, though I’ve never had much interest in fashion. That said, I was captivated by the thought and symbolism behind each outfit, and I came away with even more respect for the Queen and the sacrifices she made. If you enjoy The Crown or Downton Abbey, this is definitely one for your list.
By Royal Appointment June 2025
Producer DANIEL SCHUMANN
Producer LEE DEAN
Writer DAISY GOODWIN
Director DOMINIC DROMGOOLE
Designer JONATHAN FENSOM
Lighting OLIVER FENWICK
By Royal Appointment is at Leeds Grand Theatre from Tuesday 24 to Saturday 28 June 2025.
Book tickets online at leedsheritagetheatres.com or call Box Office on 0113 243 0808
All photography by Nobby Clark.
Main image: Anne Reid as Queen Elizabeth II.
