Will (Shakespeare) on the Hill

The Honorable Ian Liddell-Grainger MP is the great-great-great grandson of Queen Victoria, which in the order of British lineage makes him 339th in the line of succession to the British throne -- but who’s waiting? 

The member of the Parliament for Bridwater and West Somerset was chatting about the royal wedding at a reception before the performance of Will on the Hill, Shakespeare Theatre Company’s annual celebration.

Niteside didn’t miss the opportunity to ask the MP about the recent nuptials. “I’m related to Queen Victoria,” he said noting that the whole thing was great for England, a romantic revival of sorts. 

Oh, and he also owns a castle, as most lineaged Brits do. He was joined in the lobby by Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss,) and Rep. Joe Barton (R-Texas), while the more nervous cast members were rehearsing their lines backstage, some for the first time.  

Each spring, members of Congress and the media are invited to show off their acting skills (or lack thereof). To play or not to play, that is the question.

Rep. Eleanor Holmes-Norton of the District usually plays, and is well-known for her comedic timing on stage and her dedication to D.C. voters' rights off-stage. She even plans to give comedian Stephen Colbert a key to the city if residents do get their voting rights. 

“She is like a fly who keeps buzzing no matter how many times you swat her,” Colbert has quipped about the feisty delegate whom he has interviewed on his show.  

We were surprised to see Tim Daly, president of the Creative Coalition; the Huffington Post’s Howard Fineman, and the National Journal’s Mayor Garrett performing. It was, after all, right on the heels of the White House Correspondents‘ Association weekend, which is a sleep killer -- although we didn’t catch them napping.

Contact Us