If Rab C Nesbitt was king....
We meet James VI on the eve of his departure to London to take up the English crown, and in two minds about his decision to accept the reluctantly made offer from down south. What's in it for him? Or for his people, the Scots? His internal deliberations are interrupted by the arrival of William, a lower order servant who has just been sacked, and largely unafraid to tell his monarch some home truths about how his people view him. He provides James with the material to develop fresh insights, self reflection, and even a breath of humility.
Jimmy Chisholm's James is many things - foul mouthed absolutist, eloquent man of letters, lecher, philosopher, and a man of vulnerable temperament. William, played by Gavin Wright, might be a simpler soul, but his honesty and passion for social justice makes him the perfect foil to draw out the king's doubts and worries. Whilst there is some tedious stereotyping of both the Scots and English national characters, the script is otherwise sharp, witty and gives both actors scope to play around with their roles.
It also offers some depth when drawing parallels with current day events. We find ourselves looking into the genesis of a process, which would eventually result in the formation of the UK, at a time when that union might well be in it's dying days. (With James' will he/won't he dilemma a clear reflection of our current national dialogue.) And I did enjoy William's put down of the fantasy notion of 'trickle down' economics. There are ruminations on the loneliness of leadership, the ludicrous nature of monarchy and the negative impact of massive social division.
As an audience member you can choose to ponder on these issues, or simply accept the play as a rollicking entertainment, with both Chisholm and Wright extracting every last laugh from their lines. Both look as if they enjoy the opportunity to take a potentially serious subject and deliver a sparking comedy from it.
There might be a few flaws, and it's certainly no history lesson, but this is a hugely enjoyable way to spend an hour.
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