Well, missed the second Act but I have seen the play and film so will comment on just what have seen and remember…
As a play loved the short and pungent scenes which were leanly and, as it’s Alan B, very wittily and perceptively written with that wonderful combination of emotional power through poignant comedy of which he is such a master- rather like Alan Ayckbourn I think. Radical view? The potenet mixture of dynastic ambitions, familial relationships and the interface beyween the personal and political was fascinatingly shown - and often movingly. The relationship between Mr King and Mrs king was wonderfully warm and touching and one felt terribly for both of them as his illness manifested itself more and more.
The set was simple but very elegantly functional with Handel as the musical background
Gattis was superb as George - both vocally and physically - a very complete performance and all other parts were excellent - and the idea of some roles while apparently written for a male character could just as easily be p;ayed by a female actor was something that worked very well - in fact to the extent that one really did not notice it - gender-blind casting is it called?
So marvellous if only partial experience…