Thoughts on Fiasco: Charles III (a Review of Sorts)

There was something of a celebration today in London. King Charles’ coronation – the first coronation in living memory for the majority of people in this United Kingdom – was a spectacle of pomp, ceremony, tradition, and extravagance.

I’m not really here to cast judgement upon the coronation, or the monarchy more widely. I can’t claim to have an especially strong opinion for or against the institution. What I am writing about today is the play and film that has been on my mind today.

I speak of Mike Bartlett’s 2014 play, King Charles III.

More specifically, I’ve been remembering the 2017 TV adaptation of the play:

This is a fictional then-future history drama that imagines the reign of King Charles III after the death of Queen Elizabeth II. The story begins with Charles being crowned king and facing political turmoil as he refuses to sign a controversial bill that would restrict the freedom of the press. As tensions rise between the Crown and Parliament, Charles’s family and advisors become embroiled in a power struggle, with Prince William and Kate pushing for a more modern monarchy, while Prince Harry falls in love with a commoner and threatens to abandon his royal duties.

The story culminates in a dramatic confrontation between Charles and the Prime Minister, which leaves the monarchy on the brink of collapse. The film is a thought-provoking exploration of the role of the monarchy in modern Britain, and features strong performances from the cast, including the late Tim Pigott-Smith as King Charles III.

Here’s a scene that I feel acts as an effective trailer:

What I like about this scene is that it sets expectations for the type of language used. The whole thing is in blank verse, and there’s a Shakespearean bent to it.

Vimeo actually has the whole thing up at the moment, though I believe you need to sign in to watch it:

I’d give it a go, if you’ve got the time. It’s certainly topical. I love it.

But what about playing it?

Well, Fiasco comes to mind, certainly. As an improvisational, GM-less RPG defined by relationships, it does seem perfect for playing out what is, in essence, a family drama. With that in mind, I’ve jotted down some ideas as the beginnings of a Fiasco playset…

Title: Crowned Fiasco

The players take on the roles of members of the Royal Family, advisors, and political figures, as they navigate the challenges of Charles’s reign and balance their own personal ambitions with the demands of the Crown. Will they maintain their loyalty to the monarchy and each other, or will they succumb to the temptations and scandals of royal life? Only the Fiasco will tell.

Setting: Modern-day Britain, shortly after the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

Needs:

• Power: Who will hold the most power in the new monarchy?
• Loyalty: How will the players balance their loyalty to the Crown with their own personal ambitions?
• Tradition vs. Modernity: How will the players reconcile the traditional values of the monarchy with the demands of a changing society?
• Scandal: What secrets will be revealed as the players navigate the challenges of Charles’s reign?

Relationships:

• Lovers: Harry and Meghan, whose relationship is threatened by the demands of royal life.
• Rivals: William and Kate, who are vying for Charles’s favor and the future of the monarchy.
• Family: Charles and Camilla, whose relationship is strained by the demands of the Crown.
• Enemies: The Prime Minister and other political figures, who see the monarchy as an obstacle to their own power.

Locations:

• Buckingham Palace: The heart of the British monarchy and the site of many dramatic showdowns.
• Parliament: The center of British politics and the source of many of the monarchy’s challenges.
• The Press: The ever-present media, ready to pounce on any royal misstep.
• The Countryside: A refuge from the pressures of royal life, but also a place of secrets and scandal.

Objects:

• The Crown Jewels: The symbol of the monarchy’s power and heritage, but also a potential target for thieves and saboteurs.
• The Red Box: The mysterious box that contains the daily briefing for the monarch, but also a source of potential scandal and intrigue.
• The Corgis: The beloved pets of the monarch, who provide comic relief but also a potential liability.

Tilt:

• Guilty conscience: The players must grapple with the consequences of their actions and the impact on the future of the monarchy.
• Uncontrollable frenzy: The players must deal with the fallout of a major scandal or crisis.
• Tragic mistake: The players must confront the consequences of a terrible decision or betrayal.

These are rough notes at the moment; initial thoughts, really. I do like Fiasco, and I think I want to expand this out into a full playset, as I did with my previous set based on political sitcoms.