Tuesday, May 3, 2011

The Belle Époque Today: The Enchanted Palace

The Enchanted Palace
The Historic Royal Palaces
As part of the massive renovation of Kensington Palace, The Historic Royal Palaces, in conjunction with WILDWORKS Theatre Company has transformed Kensington into “The Enchanted Palace.” A fascinating journey through art, fashion, history and mystery, “The Enchanted Palace” is set against the backdrop of the revitalization of the palace wherein secrets from the lives of those who inhabited it over the last three centuries have been uncovered.

WILDWORKS has created an exceptional show, combining theatricality with historical accuracy as they created tableaus and installation pieces which allow the viewer to become acquainted with the six princesses who called Kensington Palace home. Visitors to “The Enchanted Palace” are given maps which allow them to explore the palace on a hunt to divulge the identities of the princesses, and, in doing so, discover fascinating tidbits about their illustrious lives. Upon completion of the hunt, the visitors come face-to-face with the princesses.

This ingenious exhibit makes good use of Kensington Palace’s majestic state rooms and gives visitors heretofore unimagined access to this magnificent structure. The Historic Royal Palaces’ Web site offers an interesting introduction to “The Enchanted Palace” and also features a truly cute and fun Flash game which complements the exhibit beautifully. I confess, I played the game, and I loved it. Give it a try!


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