By Royal Appointment, a new play by Daisy Goodwin, is set to tour the UK with Jane Asher starring as The Queen and Samantha Womack as her Dresser. The production explores the relationship between the monarch and her close confidante in shaping the Queen’s public image.

By Royal Appointment, written by Daisy Goodwin, creator of the ITV series Victoria, will open at Cambridge Arts Theatre on 21 September before touring several venues across the UK. The play focuses on the intimate collaboration between the late Queen and her dresser, examining how their relationship influenced the monarch’s public persona.

The production is directed by Anthony Banks with design by Jonathan Fensom. Jane Asher will take the role of The Queen, while Samantha Womack appears as her Dresser. They are joined by David Robb as The Designer and Matthew Cottle as The Milliner.

This co-production between Daniel Schumann, Lee Dean, and Cambridge Arts Theatre will run at Cambridge until 3 October. Subsequent stops include Nottingham Theatre Royal from 5 to 10 October, Chelmsford Theatre from 19 to 24 October, and York Theatre Royal from 9 to 14 November.

The tour continues into 2027 at Chichester Festival Theatre from 18 to 23 January, followed by Edinburgh Kings Theatre from 25 to 30 January and Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury from 2 to 6 February.

By Royal Appointment provides insight into the dynamic between monarch and confidante, a subject rarely explored with such focus. The new production promises a nuanced portrayal of behind-the-scenes influences on royal image-making.