Eileen Page recreates for audio her remarkable one-woman performance as ‘Eleanor of Aquitaine’

UK indie producer and publisher B7 Media, has announced a co-production with Tara Arts to produce an audio dramatisation of Eileen Page’s remarkable one-woman stage performance as Eleanor of Aquitaine: Mother of the Pride, based on the play written by the late Catherine Muschamp.

Eleanor of Aquitaine: Mother of the Pride showcases a remarkable one-woman performance by veteran actress Eileen Page,who brings to life a formidable woman, far ahead of her time, who witnessed and influenced some of the Middle Ages’ most dramatic events, including the murder of Thomas Becket and her own rivalry with Henry II’s mistress, ‘fair’ Rosamund Clifford.

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 even before her death.

On recreating her acclaimed stage performance of Eleanor of Aquitaine for audio Eileen Page says; “It was marvellous to have the security of being able to play it (Eleanor) for audio. Where audio scores, for me, is it gives the listener the opportunity to see and costume the performance in their heads and what I hope to have done with Eleanor is make her available for future generations.”

Eileen Page’s 70-year career encompasses Shakespeare, contemporary writers, musical theatre, film and television. Her long association with the RSC included Peter Brook’s production of Love’s Labour’s Lost, Henry Vwith Paul Scofield, Mother Courage, Richard II, The Winter’s Taleand Wastewith Judi Dench.

“Upon watching Eileen Page’s commanding one-woman performance as the legendary Eleanor of Aquitaine, it immediately struck me that her performance was crying out to be recorded for audio and preserved for future generations to relish. I’m delighted that Eileen agreed to perform the role one last time for audio, which rather appropriately we recorded at the Tara Theatre, the venue in which, after a 22-year association with role, Eileen did her final stage performance.”says B7 Media’s Executive Producer, Andrew Mark Sewell.

Tara Arts Artistic Director, Jatinder Verma says; “Eileen Page’s Eleanor has all the mellifluous poise, resolve and wit you would expect of the only woman to have ruled England and France. A tour de force!”

Sisters, Rachelle and Natalie Muschamp say of the audio dramatisation; “Catherine spent her life in devotion of theatre where she wrote many plays in the duration of her life. After her passing in 2007 we have been extremely grateful to Eileen Page who kept the spirt of Eleanor alive, by doing an amazing job as an actress. We are very grateful towards Eileen and B7 Media to engaging in the recording of this wonderful play, ensuring that it will still be heard in many more years to come. Catherine would have been very proud.”