Waiting for the Queen to arrive with Maurice at Richmond Theatre
8:00am Sunday 17th February 2013 in News By Amy Dyduch
Fringe success: Maurice's Jubilee has been well received
After its success at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Maurice’s Jubilee comes to Richmond Theatre and its patron, Julian Glover, plays the starring role.
Julian, who is from Barnes, plays Maurice, a retired jeweller who has known the good life but now lives in much reduced circumstances with Helena, played by Sheila Reid, his wife of many years.
They make a convincing Darby and Joan, their incessant squabbling and crosstalk concealing a profound feeling for one another.
Maurice is expecting a visit from the Queen because 60 years ago, when he took charge of the Crown Jewels overnight, she promised to find him, should she ever reach her diamond jubilee and he his 90th birthday.
Julian, 77, says: “One of the challenges was playing an 89-year-old because I am not 89.”
Maurice experiences deteriorating health and is cared for by a nurse, played by Nichola MacAuliffe, who wrote the play.
Julian says: “I think that one of the themes of the play is long-term love – habit-forming love. It’s also about one man’s obsession to realise his dream and a lot of people recognise that characteristic within themselves, especially those who have failed to fulfil their dream.”
Julian has an enormous range of credits, moving from classical work at Stratford and Shakespeare’s Globe to prominent roles in the Star Wars, James Bond and Indiana Jones franchises.
Julian says: “I’m not a Gambon or a McKellen but I do have a good position. Stars have to put up with so much that is intrusive. Robert Pattinson lives locally and he can hardly come out of his house.”
Maurice’s Jubilee; Richmond Theatre; February 19 – 23; Tickets £10 - £35; atgtickets.com.
