Beautifully set in the inner sanctum of HM Queen Elizabeth Buckingham Palace Suite, By Royal Appointment offers an intimate insight into the late Queen’s life through her choice of clothes from 1960s until her death in 2022. Opening her wardrobe, literally, reveals that each item was deliberately chosen not as a fashion statement, but rather to ensure maximum visibility for cameras and audiences. Designs worn for foreign tours or State events were chosen as a diplomatic message to her guests/hosts such as an ingenious white gown with Pakistan’s national green in a daring pleat down the back.

Daisy Goodman’s script presents a refined drama, unfolding at a measured pace, with carefully selected projections of outfits appearing briefly on the backdrop. The story unfolds through a series of short vignettes, with a Curator (Grainne Dromgoole) presenting notable yearly highlights, spanning political events, sports and celebrity trivia, and even the price of milk. You’ll find out who topped the charts when Her Majesty wore a bubble-gum pink coat.

James Wilby portrays The Designer and James Dreyfus as The Milliner and although neither are named, we presume that they are loosely based on Norman Hartnell and Freddy Fox as her favoured designer and milliner respectively. The actors are well chosen and bounce off each other as they navigate their power struggles and petty jealousies with pithy one liners and asides.

Caroline Quentin delivers a compelling performance as the Queen’s long-standing Dresser, demonstrating dedication, attention to detail, and steadfast loyalty. Initially reserved about sharing her comprehensive records of the Queen’s clothing, she is portrayed as a trusted companion in the monarch’s personal and professional life.

Without impersonating the Queen, Anne Reid brings much of The Monarch’s essence and familiar characteristics to the stage: serene and inscrutable, stoic under pressure, logical, knowing and subtly witty. 

There is plenty of humour in this production, but the first half becomes repetitive and drags somewhat.  Poignant, thoughtful and charming By Royal Appointment builds gently to Quentin’s final speech. It has its shining moments but falls short of expectation.

4 stars

Reviewed by Nina Gardner

Photo Credits

By Royal Appointment is playing at Richmond Theatre 23rd – 26th July 2025

Tickets are available at the link below

https://www.visitrichmond.co.uk/events/by-royal-appointment-p2345961

https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/by-royal-appointment/richmond-theatre/

Cast

The Queen       Anne Ried

The Dresser     Caroline Quentin

The Designer  James Wilby

The Milliner      James Dreyfus

Creatives

Written by: Daisy Goodwin

Directed by: Dominic Dromgoole;

Designer: Jonathan Fensom;

Lighting Designer: Oliver Fenwick;

Sound design: Ella Wahlström