Edward II

Shakespeare's Richard II and Marlowe's Edward II were successful stage productions recorded in the studio for BBC Television in the early days of colour transmissions. At that time only the recently inaugurated BBC 2 channel was broadcasting in colour and the new TV sets were very expensive.

I was a university student at the time and watched these outstanding productions in the colour TV lounge in my hall of residence. I've remembered them vividly ever since, particularly the young Ian McKellen's highly charged and sensual performances in the title roles. Those were less enlightened times and young Ian was still firmly 'in the closet' but to my youthful mind his gay sensibility was more than evident, especially in the role of Edward II. James Laurenson was also outstanding as Gaveston.

These landmark productions are crying out for a DVD release.

My main attraction to watching Edward II, not including my love for literature, was Ian McKellen. And he is superb here, passionate and very spontaneous. Plus there are few performances of his where he has been more handsome. James Laurenson is also outstanding, very nuanced, while the support cast of Timothy West and Diane Fletcher are also on their level. There is a memorable turn towards the end by Robert Eddison. The dialogue I can't fault and it is delivered with great feeling and intensity by all, and the story is well measured in pace and gives the love between Edward and Gaveston a certain depth. The production values are fine, the settings are appropriately regal and the costumes at least don't look drab. The filming is very good. Overall, helped hugely by the performances this is Christopher Marlowe done perfectly, highly recommended. 10/10 Bethany Cox