"The Lion in Winter" Play Casting Actors

King of England. Although aging, Henry acts like a much younger man. He has a boisterous energy, a forbidding temper, and a relentless drive that makes him a formidable opponent. He is determined to have John, his youngest son, as his heir, but he knows that if he does his remaining family could start a civil war. He is in love with his much younger mistress, Alais, the daughter of the late King of France, but has no qualms using her as a bargaining chip in his plans.

Queen of England, Duchess of Aquitaine, & former Queen of France, Henry’s estranged wife, has been imprisoned under house arrest for ten years for supporting her sons in an unsuccessful rebellion. A decade older than Henry, she’s always been his equal in intelligence, wit, & ambition. Her love for him is conflicted: she cares deeply for him but fiercely resists being disregarded or subordinate. Years ago, when Henry turned to a mistress, Eleanor devoted herself to raising Richard, her son.

The eldest surviving son of Henry and Eleanor, Richard has been a famous soldier since his sixteenth birthday. He’s impressive and domineering but has a tense relationship with both of his parents. Richard is his mother’s favorite, yet he’s wary of her. He wonders if she truly loves and supports him or uses him as a tool in her conflict with his father. Richard feels neglected and excluded by Henry and silently yearns for his father’s approval but covers his pain with his warrior’s demeanor.

The second eldest surviving son of Henry and Eleanor, Geoffrey is attractive, charming, and the most intelligent of the brothers. His parents, however, never consider him in the running to be king— even though he possesses the intellectual promise of a great monarch. His feelings of being neglected have made him a cold amoral schemer who constantly changes his alliances between Richard and John, hoping to disgrace them both so he can gain the throne and his parents’ love and respect.

The youngest son of Henry and Eleanor, John is Henry’s favorite and his chosen heir. Though he can be sweetly charming when he wishes, he has been spoiled rotten by his father, and often taunts his brothers, knowing that Henry will back him up. However, beneath his boasting, he is deeply insecure, as he knows he has neither Richard’s brawn nor Geoffrey’s brain. His lack of maturity and desperate desire to come out on top lead him to trust anyone who offers him a helping hand.

Daughter of the late King of France and half-sister to King Philip. She is deeply in love with Henry, many years her senior, and has been his mistress for seven years. In that time, she has grown from a simple teenage girl to a gentle and thoughtful young woman with a quiet strength. Though at times she tries to match Henry’s family in their ruthlessness, she knows her kindly nature will not allow her to truly compete with them.

The young King of France, half-brother to Alais. Philip has come to Henry’s court to demand that a treaty made with his late father be fulfilled. He is relatively new to his throne and initially behaves with a commanding dignity, showing little emotion. When his negotiations with Henry fail, he encourages the rebellious thoughts of Henry’s sons, making empty promises to each in turn. Philip is especially close to Richard, who was his lover two years ago.