Eleanor of Aquitane

One of the most dynamic women in history is reincarnated in Eileen Page in her remarkable one-woman performance of Eleanor of Aquitaine: Mother of the Pride by Catherine Muschamp. A woman of extraordinary courage, beauty and iron will – uniquely Queen of France then Queen of England, and mother of two English kings – Eleanor of Aquitaine’s name was legendary ever before her death.

Eileen Page’s 70-year career encompasses Shakespeare, contemporary writers, musical theatre, film and television. Her long association with the Royal Shakespeare Company included Peter Brook’s production of Love’s Labour’s Lost, Henry V with Paul Scofield, Mother Courage, Richard II, The Winter’s Tale, and Waste with Judi Dench, which transferred to the West End. Other West End appearances include Heidi Schiller in Stephen Sondheim’s Follies (Shaftesbury Theatre, a role she later reprised for a BBC gala performance), Me and My Girl (Adelphi Theatre); The Boyfriend (Duchess Theatre); and Nine (Royal Festival Hall). Among many leading roles in repertory seasons across the country, one of her favourites was Eleanor of Aquitaine in The Lion in Winter at Liverpool Playhouse.