James Goldman – författare

Sibling rivalry, adultery and dungeons - Lion in Winter, by James Goldman, is a modern day classic. Comedic in tone, dramatic in action - the play tells the story of the Plantagenet family who are locked in a free for all of competing ambitions to inherit a kingdom. The queen, and wealthiest woman in the world, Eleanor of Aquitaine, has been kept in prison since raising an army against her husband, King Henry II. Let out only for holidays, the play centres around the inner conflicts of the royal family as they fight over both a kingdom, as well as King Henry's paramour during the Christmas of 1183. As Eleanor says, "every family has its ups and downs," and this royal family is no exception.

It's a typical family Christmas for the Plantagenets, complete with backstabbing, double-crossing, and rampant infidelity. James Goldman's brilliant historical drama pits King Henry II against the strong-willed Eleanor of Aquitaine, brought to life by Alfred Molina and Kathleen Chalfant.Recorded before a live audience at the Skirball Cultural Center, Los Angeles, in December 2001.Director: Rosalind AyresProducing Director: Susan Albert LoewenbergAn L.A. Theatre Works Full-Cast Performance Featuring:Lars Carlson as JohnKathleen Chalfant as Eleanor of AquitaineKevin Daniels as Richard Coeur De LeonSpencer Garrett as Philip CapetLaurel Moglen as Alais CapetAlfred Molina as Henry PlantagenetSteven Sutcliffe as GeoffreyRecording Engineer/Sound Designer/Editor: David Kelly For Voicebox Studios, Los Angeles