The Watermill Theatre has announced casting for Victoria: A Queen Unbound, Daisy Goodwin’s new play exploring the final days of Queen Victoria. The production promises to shed light on the monarch’s reflections and private memories, highlighted through a dual portrayal of Victoria.

Victoria: A Queen Unbound, written by ITV drama creator Daisy Goodwin, will premiere at the Watermill Theatre from 27 March to 9 May. Set in Osborne House in 1901, the play focuses on Victoria’s last days, using her diaries to prompt introspection and confront past decisions.

Amanda Boxer takes the lead role as Victoria, while Jessica Rhodes appears as Young Victoria, representing the monarch’s earlier self. The cast is completed by Lydia Bakelmun as Beatrice, Steve Chusak as Dr Reid, Stephen Fewell as Bertie, and Rowan Polonski as Albert.

Sophie Drake directs the production, returning to the Watermill after her work on Charley’s Aunt. The creative team features set and costume designer Alex Berry, lighting designer Ben Jacobs, sound designer and composer Asaf Zohar, movement and intimacy director Asha Jennings-Grant, and dialect coach Elspeth Morrison.

Casting is managed by Cydney Beech with Matthew Dewsbury advising. The stage management team includes company stage manager Kate Schofield, deputy stage manager Rachael Barber, and assistant stage manager Grace Hancock.

Drake has described the play as an exploration of how we wish to be remembered in the face of mortality, while also examining public fascination with the private lives of Britain’s monarchy. A national press night is planned for 31 March at 7pm.

Goodwin will be interviewed by historian Jason Goodwin after the 21 April performance, offering further context on the piece and its historical themes.