Written and performed by Anne Odeke
Shakespeare's Globe
I do like to be beside the sea, especially when it's a comedy with an important clear message. You transition from laughing to uncomfortable silence.
Anne Odeke's comic play is set in South End on Sea based on a true story. she plays the witty lead role of Joanna who is the worker for the well to do Mrs Bugle. The catalyst of Joanna's journey is sparked when Mrs Bugle invites her to see a show and she was not ready for what she was about to watch. They go to see Colonel Harros present 'The Great Batwa', who is a man the Colonel brought back with him from his travels. It is difficult to watch.
Joanna starts questioning those around her and then questions her relationship with Mrs Bugle. She decides to go on a mission to save Batwa. She is shocked to find that Batwa lives a lavish life with Colonel Harris and is respected. She decides she's going to participate in the Kursaal's first beauty pageant to prove those around her wrong and gain respect. The beauty pagent is the Kursaal's big plan to avoid going under and bring more people in. The Kursaal is the huge attraction to South end on sea, it is an amusement park with many features: it has a theatre, cinema, ballroom and so much more. Joanna comes up with a plan with Mr Bacon (the owner of the Kursaal) to pretend to be the Princess of Senegal, to help give the international beauty pageant it's 'international' title. Little does Anne know how weighing her persona will be and how it is beyond what she thought the plan would be.
The set design is visually pleasing and fits with the Globe's aesthetic like a glove. Above the stage is 'Kursaal' in lights and the design of the set is minimal, but is perfect for what is written. You find the actors bring the vibrance set the environment/time of the piece and Odeke's writing subconsciously forces you to use your imagination to immerse yourself. The nautical scenery, such as an ice cream cart on a bike, the beauty pageant banners enforce the early 1900s seaside setting. It is a treat to be able to watch this piece in the Globe theatre, because once you enter the theatre you feel as though you have been taken on a journey back in time. The cast walking through the audience throughout the piece to get on to the stage adds the feeling of community with the audience and the characters, you're all people of South End.
Joanna is played astoundingly by Anne Odeke, she has a huge personality that sparkles through her character. Addictive to watch. She transitions from comic to poignant moments in a smooth naturalistic manner. The audience develops a close bond with Joanna, she breaks the fourth wall throughout the piece and addresses the audience. You go on this journey with her. The way the other characters unapologetically belittle and carelessly offend her with their words is uncomfortable to watch. There are many moments of silence where you are processing the unkind actions and neglect towards Joanna just because of how she looks and her background. Ignorant to her beauty inside and out. Mrs Bugle played by Lizzie Hopley is one of the most animated characters. She plays a self absorbed, ignorant character and you can see her dependence on Joanna as her worker. The dynamic between the two is interesting to watch, as at the start Mrs Bugle has the power over Joanna, as she is her boss and Joanna has subconsciously accustomed to being at her beck and call. When she realises how society have forced her to accept her lifestyle and how those around her treat her the dynamic changes. Joanna realises she does not need Mrs Bugle, it's her that needs Joanna. Mrs Bugle becomes desperate for Joanna, you can see how she is tirelessly trying to change her ways; show she has immersed herself in other cultures and is more respectful.
Respect is the aim of the piece. 'Princess Essex' is written in a way that grabs the audience and makes them realise that ignorance towards society's disrespectful actions towards people having different background is allowing disrespect to continue. You walk away thinking passionately about how you should not allow others to be disrespectful and speak up. Anne Odeke has made a hilarious show that takes you from laughing at comic moments to poking fun out of others which is uncomfortable and stops you laughing, because it goes too far. The use of words that are not accepted in the modern day, but were thrown around casually back in the early 19th century makes you grit your teeth and feel disgusted at the ignorance and lack of care. The integration of 'votes for women' shows the selfish attitudes of society. There is a shocking moment when a lady stands up for her right to her voice and is cruelly silenced. These shocking moments portray the harsh reality ignorance to a lack of inclusion and how it allows selfish, entitled people to reject a fusion of cultures and reduce diversity.
The Globe theatre is where theatre history has been celebrated and birthed. 'Princess Essex' being performed in this space gives the new play it's opportunity to amplify it's important message to masses of people from a huge variety of backgrounds. It's a tourist attraction, it's not just a place theatre lovers go, it's a piece of English history and people from all over travel to witness the history. The new play deserves it's run at the Globe and it's opportunity spread awareness to the effects of ignorance. This is an imperative piece of theatre and is executed in a way that is enjoyable and not overbearing. It is incredibly clever how Anne Odeke has integrated a wide variety of messages and different ways of communicating them to the audience. You could see the show numerous times and each time find something new! Do not miss out on this show, you will love it, enjoy it and hopefully leave in a reflective state.
"What's more brave than than you sitting in your own silence?"
Get your tickets: https://www.shakespearesglobe.com/whats-on/princess-essex/#book
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