The "James" plays

Last Saturday, we went to see the James Plays at the Theatre Royal.  We bought tickets for all three in the day, in the front row of the stalls because we do like to be close to the action. If you’re too far back it’s almost like the cinema – well, obviously it isn’t quite, but all the same, you do get even more involved in the action if you’re physically close to it.

On the Friday, the playwright, Rona Munro, was talking about the plays, so we went along there too, and it was really a good preparation. She said that even Scots don’t know a great deal about their first three King James, and that the plays were intended to stand alone and be quite different in tone. Which they were. 

Also she talked about the weight of writing something so comparable to Shakespeare’s history plays, although I think it’s probably pretty inhibiting if you think too much about that. Also, she uses straightforward demotic language throughout, not running to poetry (although the first James’ own poetry is quoted) but avoiding obvious anachronisms. She also pointed out that stories in the chronicles, even when the historians point out that they are not completely accurate, probably have some truth. So the plays bear a similar relationship to historical fact as do Shakespeare’s history plays, and like them, have an interesting  relationship with the state of the nation nowadays.

Seeing any of the plays would be very well worthwhile but seeing all three was a brilliant experience. All the cast were superb, and it was pretty full on and physical, I imagine they were shattered by the end of the day. Although of course an actor who had an important part in one play had a less important one in the others, it was still a very impressive feat.

Also, I didn’t feel that Rona Murray has many illusions about Scotland and its history. It was interesting to compare with the similar period in England portrayed by Shakespeare in the Henry plays. It’s clear that although the Wars of the Roses were going on, the English kings had rather more control over the nobility and more money.

Best thing – there were very many laugh out loud moments! Go if you get the chance. And if you’re not over offended by swearing.