Clarence Brown Theatre Presents King Charles III Posted on February 7, 2019 Written by KnoxvilleUrbanGuy Clarence Brown eatre’s current production, which opened last night, explores a circumstance which many who follow the British monarchy have long imagined: How might a reign by Prince Charles take shape. When Queen Elizabeth dies and Charles, presumably assumes the throne, how will he be viewed? Will he remain a ceremonial figure like recent Queens and Kings of England? e play, written by Mike Bartlett was first produced in London in 2014 and has had successful runs in both London and New York City. In 2017 a film version was shown on BBC television. Presented as a “Shakespearean-like play,” it has also been presented by the Shakespeare eatre Company in Washington, D.C. e play begins at the funeral of Elizabeth and find Charles (Kurt Rhoads) struggling with what it means to be King of England in modern times. Camilla (Nance Williamson) is as delighted for him to be king as he is troubled. e first test of his reign comes before the official coronation with the presentation of a parliamentary bill which, like all other bills, is to be ceremoniously signed by the current monarch. is particular bill brings into focus the issue of the freedom of the press. e Prime Minister (Tristan Evans) insists that the bill is necessary to protect privacy from an intrusive press. He is shocked when Charles refuses to sign out of conscience. He reminds him, not so delicately, that the intrusion of the press resulted in tabloid headlines about, and ultimately, the death of Diana, Duchess of Wales. e choice of this particular issue to be presented in the play makes it timely in an era that the press is regularly excoriated as biased, fake and destructive in our own country. While it seems intentionally focused on current events, the play was written and produced well before our current contentious debates over the freedom, objectivity and accuracy of the press.