Elizabeth Rex

This filmed treatment of the original Stratford Festival production of Timothy Findleys Governor General Awardwinning play is a lavish treat for the eyes and the ears William Shakespeare and his company of actors are brought together with the formidable Queen Elizabeth I in a remarkable encounter on the night of April 22 1616 hours before the execution of Elizabeths former lover Essex Through the course of the evening actor Ned Lowenscroft famous for his female roles in Shakespeares plays very touchingly teaches the Queen to be more of a woman while the Queen helps Ned be more of a man Part history lesson part theatrical insight the play is a beautifully crafted Shakespearelike work with poignant reflections on grief love friendship and art Compelling performances are delivered by Diane DAquila as Queen Elizabeth Peter Hutt as Shakespeare and Brent Carver as Ned Lowenscroft