A new play, with a cast including Robert Lindsay, about a meeting between King George VI and US President Roosevelt in 1939. Will the "special relationship" survive a diet of hot dogs and beer? Will the US support Britain in the coming war?
Four of us have booked tickets for this, and there is still good availability. Do join us!
Details of the play and how to book here
**** Meet-up pre-theatre for this play is from 6pm in the Core Cafe in the Swiss Cottage Leisure Centre. This serves burgers, pizza, wraps, soup and baked potato and has an aerial view of the swimming pool, giving it an “at the beach” vibe. It is self-service/order at the counter, so no need to eat (or even drink) if you don’t want to.
Menu here
2 comments:
7 have now booked for this
N=9 came to this play, which seemed to be well-received by the generality. Seven of us enjoyed surprisingly high quality pre-theatre food in the seafront cafe (it overlooks the swimming pool…) in Swiss Cottage Leisure Centre. This being on the borders of Hampstead, conversation was of an elevated academic kind.
The play illustrated that in politics appearances matter as much as substance sometimes. State visits may seem a bit pointless, but sometimes eating a hotdog at a picnic helps your country to win a war.
Some comments by others in the party;
“Never believe everything the critics say about a play. I found this one witty, engaging, and rich in both historical interest and contemporary relevance.”
“What fascinated me most was the portrayal of how President Roosevelt sought to bridge the gap between the British monarchy and the American public. Hosting the King and Queen at a picnic at his mother's home and serving hot dogs initially struck the monarch as almost insulting. Roosevelt's explanation, however, revealed the political genius behind the gesture: the hot dog was an unmistakably American symbol, and a picnic with neighbours represented the warmth and informality of everyday American life.”
“It wasn't simply about the menu—it was a carefully choreographed act of diplomacy designed to make Britain feel more familiar and relatable to ordinary Americans, helping to build the goodwill that might one day be needed for public support. This kind of political manoeuvring happens every day. How do governments persuade the public to support increased defence spending when public finances are stretched? How do they tackle the energy crisis while remaining committed to net zero, especially when the cost of living is already putting households under pressure? In the end, every political choice involves trade-offs, and sacrifices have to be made somewhere.”
“Enjoyed the play very much. I didn't know this meeting had occurred, and the play conveyed the (recently crowned) royals' anxiety and nervousness well. The 'domestic' set up in the Roosevelt home was interesting. In reality, I'm not sure that Eleanor would have accepted the affair between Daisy and her husband being carried out under her nose. Interesting also Roosevelt's take on potential future support from USA which could equally be for the British or the other side.”
“Part of the plot last night was how showing personal vulnerability between two people can create a closeness. Even at the highest level I do wonder if this happens with Xi, Trump, Putin and if it helps? What happens if there is a two pool way with no else in the room what do they say to each other? They all have supremely pressured jobs, do they show vulnerability to anyone?”
“It is interesting how these documentary style plays, still fill the theatre. Our desire for those 'fly on the wall' views into the lives of the powerful, rich, and famous' remains. I have never wanted the 15 minutes of fame allotted by Andy Warhol, and this play confirms that. To live a life where your every move has to be thought through the impact it would have on the public perception of you would not be for me.”
“To listen to the stage Queen worrying about the possibility of people laughing at them was something I was not aware of. Images always depicted her confidence and composure.”
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