The Daughter of Time
Review by Sam
⭐⭐⭐⭐
We live in a world where the weaponisation of information and misinformation has become an alarming fact of life. The Daughter of Time, which is on a limited run at London’s Charring Cross Theatre, shows us that it has been ever thus.
Inspired by Scottish author Josephine Tay’s much loved 1951 crime novel, playwright M. Kilburg Reedy has done a sterling job transferring this fascinating exploration of how history is written and rewritten. This historical detective drama delivers an entertaining exploration of Tudor propaganda about England’s 15th Century King Richard III and the emerging Tudor dynasty’s successful efforts to falsely slander him for having schemed to take the throne and kills his young nephews. Court intrigue, murder, and fierce rivalries are here in abundance for the history geeks among us.
Fast forward to the 1950’s and cantankerous Scotland Yard Inspector Alan Grant is bed bound in hospital with time to kill. Desperate to restore his belief in his own detective skills, Grant sets about investigating the life and times of Richard III when he realises the history that has been written might not be as close to the truth as legend tells.
It’s a classic British crime drama with a love story thrown in for good measure alongside some odes to Shakespeare and some ever so British stereotypes. Despite its simple staging it’s an accomplished production from start to finish with a second act that dials up the tension to perfection.
Harrison Sharpe steals the show with his portrayal of American researcher Brent Carradine who fizzes with endearing nervous energy and slapstick humour. Janna Fox’s Nurse Darroll, a no-nonsense Yorkshire woman with an almighty crush on Richard The Lionheart, delivers additional moments of hilarity. Leads Roy Pomfret (Grant) and Rachel Pickup (Hallard) round out a solid company-wide effort with deft moments of tension, conspiracy, and old school romance.
In the age-old battle for the truth, The Daughter of Time offers a throughly enjoyable excuse to delve into England’s extraordinary history!