Winston and David

I have to admit, my own knowledge of early 20th century political history is very sketchy. Bolstered, mainly by the first series of The Crown. I, like many now draw most of my insight for this period from Netflix. Series 1 of the Crown spans from November 1947, and chronicles Winston Churchill during his second term as Prime Minister. An office that David Lloyd George occupied from 1916 to 1922. Lloyd George then died in 1945 missing his opportunity to have an audience with Clare Foy in the Crown.

‘Winston and David’ is written by David Lloyd George’s great grandson Robert Lloyd George, and referenced from family documents that formed his book ‘David and Winston’ in 2008.

Born 11 years apart, David and Winston are described to have a “friendship that changed the course of history”, as it is said they met together every day for ten years between 1904 and 1914 for a private discussion.

The play offers a brilliant insight into the lives of these two extraordinary and legendary men, but is told through the eyes of Frances Stevenson, second wife to Lloyd George. Played brilliantly by Alexandria Donnachie, Stevenson pieces the play together chronicling the life and career of “her LG”, whilst remaining very much in his shadow.

The play gives Stevenson a voice, even if her name remains omitted from the play’s title. Donnachie confidently switches between other characters with ease as do Peter Swales and Geraint Rhys in the titular and other roles. Transcending through decades, Swales and Rhys vibrantly bring Churchill and Lloyd George to life, drawing from their iconic mannerisms before morphing into the statues of them that now occupy the Houses of Parliament.

The performances are exact and precise without becoming caricature. With the three actors bringing to life a host of notable other characters that include Clementine Churchill. These are all done effectively to expand the story telling that weaves between locations and historic events. It forms an insightful and interesting guide through history.

Directed by Nick Hennegan the staging is minimal but effective, the actors utilise the few props excellently, transforming side tables into coffins, to transport you through the varying scenes.

The play demonstrated a universal appeal to an audience of any age. Sat at the front with me were an elderly couple who will have been children themselves for some of the events depicted in this story, whilst a group of school children at the back listened in earnest with interest. Alexandria Donnachie later mused on her instagram story, that she was impressed at how the younger audience did not snigger or smirk when her character Stevenson introduces herself as her nickname “Pussy”.

Really Enjoyed it! Really interesting exploration of a relationship I didn't know much about. Well acted.

Great show. Delivered by three very competent actors. Go see it you won’t be disappointed. 5* from me.

Really enjoyed the show. Excellent acting and a script that kept audience engaged. Well worth going to see

3 fine young actors portray the interesting relationship between the two wartime prime ministers .Well worth grabbing a ticket

Well acted. Well written. Well directed. Kept me awake and engaged, even though it was on in the afternoon when my body is often telling me to nap.

Being an American I was familiar with Churchill, but not David Lloyd George. Very interesting look at the their relationship and that of “pussy” David’s private secretary, lover, and at the end his wife.

Highly recommend this show.

A lot of history beautifully packaged into a single hour. Sparse and minimalistic but not missing any of the main detail. A wonderful performance and production and I would highly recommend seeing it.

I agree with all the reviews so far! This is a great show, very well acted (particularly Alexandra Donnachie), very interesting, and very informative for those of us who don't know much about the relationship between Churchill and Lloyd George. Highly recommended.

Very enjoyable extremely well acted - recommended

One of the best shows at the fringe. Very well acted. Alexandra Donnachie was brilliant. I hope to see her at the West End soon.

A pretty good historical review of the most memorable moments shared by two great figures of British politics. This is more storytelling than drama, but if you are not very familiar with this episode of history you will enjoy this well told story supported by well played mini-scenes.

Amazing historical story written by great stand son. So we’ll delivered by extremely good actors! Must see, would see again.