Royal palace becomes a theatre for Queen Dido

A production of a rarely performed play by Christopher Marlowe is to be presented by Angels In The Architecture, a company that presents classics in unusual places.

The work, Dido Queen Of Carthage, is to be staged across a dozen of the State Apartments rooms this month, starting tonight.

Just 100 ticket-holders for each performance will get the chance to follow the cast of six as they weave through the ornate panelled rooms of the former home to royalty and government. Palace staff and local dance students are volunteer extras.

Nigel Arch, director of Kensington Palace, believes the play could prove to be an interesting way to experience the buildings, including one secret passage-normally closed to visitors. He said: "The nice thing about this production is the play is about love, power and human emotions and how they are changed or warped by experience.

"That's what went on in the 18th century, when this was a centre of government and politics. It's a very nice fit. It's a very theatrical space."

Sarah Thom, who founded Angels In The Architecture with Rebecca McCutcheon and will play Dido, said the setting was highly appropriate to a plot filled with gods and cupid as the walls and ceilings were full of paintings telling such stories.

In the play, Dido is a powerful woman who falls heavily in love. Previous residents of the palace include George II's mistresses, Princess Margaret and, of course, Diana, Princess of Wales.

"You don't have to mention the Diana story because it just hangs there," said Thom. "Obviously there are resonancesbut we're not in any way saying that Dido is Diana, although the name is slightly close, I suppose."

Plays have been presented in the palace gardens and there would have been entertainment such as dancing from as early as the 17th century when the palace was built by William and Mary.

However, nothing comparable has been staged in the apartments before.

Jake Maskall, formerly Danny Moon in EastEnders and now playing Dido's love Aeneas, said: "You get so much for free performing here because the setting is so rich and glorious. It's great. It feels such a privilege."

There are evening performances until 23 February.