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 8^th December 2017.

Watch the trailer for The Crown 2 here:

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