The Great Canadian Theatre Company has launched its first show of the 2018-19 season:The Virgin Trials, which reimagines the scandalous historical story of young Elizabeth “Bess” I of England as a modern crime drama.

This play is the second instalment in a three-part series by playwright Kate Hennig and is directed by Eric Coates. The Virgin Trials is about not only gritty Victorian history but also present-day issues: between victim-blaming, sexual liberation and female empowerment, the story of Bess is nothing short of relevant.

Lydia Riding was excellently chosen to play Bess. Her portrayal of innocent strength and masterful thinking as the 15-year-old Bess truly brought about several layers to an intensely difficult character.

The play follows her as she is interrogated about her involvement in a plot against the young King Edward (Eddie), and reveals the truth through flashbacks and rainy meetings. It focuses heavily on virginity and reputation, with Bess fighting to save face in a family buried in secrets.

Interrogator Kristina Watt stole every scene she was in as Eleanor, leaving the audience wanting more after every scene. Eric Coates and Kate Smith, playing Parry and Ashley respectively, bounced energy off of each other, occasionally making the audience roar with laughter. Coates’ character, although extremely lovable, sometimes drifted into a caricature of a homosexual man.

Attila Clemann’s character looked a little young for forty but was convincing in his creepy familial love. His character moved from being liked to hated to almost redeemed, and he seemed to be the most consistently changed out of the cast.

Mary, played by Anie Richer, was the only character that did not seem involved in much of the action and was used more of a plot device than a character. However, her acting was anything short of stupendous—more of Mary would’ve been an excellent addition to this show.

The set was simple, yet the company made good use of the space and stunning effects. Using only a table and some chairs for the interrogation room brought out tension between characters. Using hydraulics for a midnight rain meeting or wave sounds for a boat, this simple stage set-up believably took the audience everywhere.

The only qualms that I had with this show were certain aspects of the writing. Some character’s sudden expulsion of homophobia or fourth-wall breaks felt out of place.

Acting as a sequel to the GCTC’s The Last Wife, this instalment is a glowing addition in the series. There will definitely be a huge swarm of those hooked on Kate Hennig’s playwriting to come back for the final instalment “Mother’s Daughter” to which the World Premiere is to be announced.   

Make sure to see this excellently penned and acted show! Playing until Sept. 30, The Virgin Trials is definitely a true liftoff for the new season. Long live the Queen.


Photo by Andrew Alexander