Culture Show reviews

The Crown season 2 premiere: A chat on the red carpet with Claire Foy, Vanessa Kirby, director Philip Martin and cast

The Crown season 2 premiere: A chat on the red carpet with Claire Foy, Vanessa Kirby, director Philip Martin and cast

After blinding success at home and internationally with its first season, the opulent British period drama The Crown is back for a second season. Picking up the chronological narrative at the dawn of Elizabeth’s reign as a Queen, the series now takes its hooked audiences through the political and social changes that shaped the end of the 50s and quickly incoming 60s, as well as the domestic and romantic dramas that unfolded within the private lives of the royals in this time. In particular, Philip and Elizabeth’s marriage comes under the spotlight, as does Princess Margaret’s charismatic character and potent sexuality. Once again, director Philip Martin delivers a rich and impeccably detailed canvas on which a wealth a strong performances from a talented cast rest, with standout performances from leads Claire Foy and Matt Smith, plus John Lithgow as Winston Churchill and Vanessa Kirby as Princess Margaret. Visually stunning, raunchy, dramatic and compelling, the next instalment of the £100 million Netflix series will not disappoint.

We were there at the London premiere to speak with the cast and creative team about the new material. A be-sequined, crop-haired Claire Foy told us about what fans can expect from the new season, the evolution of her role as Queen Elizabeth II and spoke about moving when the planned new cast is welcomed for the next season.

Vanessa Kirby, who plays Princess Margaret, explained why she thinks the series has such appeal both in the UK and internationally, the excitement of delving into the swinging 60s with her character in the next episodes, and her upcoming projects, including Mission Impossible 6.

We also had the chance to chat to director Philip Martin and producer Suzanne Mackie about how they were able to execute the ambitious and grand-scaled series to such a high standard, achieving continuity as well as something fresh for existing and new fans alike, and why the royals are endlessly fascinating.

We also spoke to actors Ben Miles, Yolanda Kettle and Finn Elliot about their roles in the epic series.

Sarah Bradbury

The Crown 2 is available on Netflix on 8th December 2017.

Watch the trailer for The Crown 2 here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ME2umFQ_xBA

More in Shows

Roketsu unveils new winter kappo tasting menus and refreshed interiors in Marylebone relaunch

Food & Travel Desk

Hampstead’s The Stag pub reopens with revamped interiors, new spaces and expanded menus

Food & Travel Desk

Heck! Foods launches limited-edition chicken and sriracha sausages in collaboration with Flying Goose

Food & Travel Desk

Roti Chai launches vegan bun samosa in Marylebone for Veganuary

Food & Travel Desk

Sam’s to celebrate Burn’s Night with Scottish feasts, whisky cocktails and live bagpipes in West London

Food & Travel Desk

Julie’s restaurant brings French Epiphany tradition to Holland Park with Galette des Rois celebration

Food & Travel Desk

Pavyllon London to debut city’s first Michelin-starred breakfast tasting menu in Park Lane

Food & Travel Desk

Chef Jody Williams to open first UK Buvette in Covent Garden this spring

Food & Travel Desk

“You don’t get bored watching Steven Knight’s work”: Darci Shaw and James Nelson-Joyce on A Thousand Blows season two

Sarah Bradbury