Review of the LA Theatre Works production ca. 2005. I recall seeing the O'Toole / Hepburn film years ago, it was intensely serious, dark and brooding with stellar acting. This full-cast production lacks the same gravitas with the audience laughing in places, but it is probably closer to how the original play was meant to be performed. I typically like literary romanticized depictions of the Middle Ages but found this to be too unbelievable, the characters brutal with an aww-shucks they are just like us ending. Maybe it could be analyzed in the context of first-wave feminism (1966) but that is beyond my ken. It is probably nothing more, or less, than a black comedy with a Medieval flavor and witty dialogue.

This is one of my absolute favorite plays! It has all the components of a great drama: extramarital affairs, family fighting, possible treason. Henry II wants his youngest son John to be king of England when he dies, but his wife, Eleanor of Aquitaine, wants the eldest, Richard, to be king. Add in a middle son that no one wants to be king, the young mistress of Henry II and the King of France, and it's a party! The play is witty and fast paced. History buffs will love this version of the event that lead to the rise of Henry II's heir. I would recommend this for upper level high school students studying World History. This may be especially intriguing to students in AP European History. ( )

Excellent. ( )

I saw the films before reading the play, which was a mistake. After seeing such impassioned performances, the script just can't help but feel a little flat and lifeless. But it's a brutal, beautiful piece of writing all the same, and well worth the time. ( )

No matter how many times, and in how many venues, I am exposed to this work, I simply cannot give it less than five stars. It is a delightful work, based on the history of Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine, centered around one Christmas homecoming for Eleanor, on her yearly respite from the exile where her husband had locked her up. The battles between these two strong-willed individuals tear apart a family and could potentially tear apart a country. Three sons - one will inherit the throne. In an era before primogenitor, there was no certainty as to which one. Henry wants Prince John to succeed; Eleanor is determined to have Richard ascend the throne. If these names sound familiar, they should - they are the King Richard and Prince John of Robin Hood fame. The situation is complicated by the presence of Henry's young mistress, who is engaged to John - or to Richard - and her brother, the King of France, who wants her either married off or her dowery returned. At stake are two valuable pieces of land that Henry has no intention of releasing. Who is scheming against whom, and who will prove the winner? The smartest? The strongest? The one with the most pimples? It's a tour de force. You only thought your family was dysfunctional. ( )