REIGN OF DECEPTION – King John and the Signing of the MAGNA CARTA Parts 1 – 4
$4.50
by Christopher Morley
“Brilliant!” Donald Martin Screenwriter “Dim Sum Funeral”, “Bomb Girls”, “Milton’s Secret”, “Welcome to Pine Grove”
“Simply great. Congratulations. It is unputdownable…” B.T. Toronto, Ontario
“Riveting.”J.S. Toronto, Ontario
“…we thoroughly enjoyed reading it!” Hanna Streeter, Paines Plough, London UK
“I felt I was truly in the story. It was awesome.”D.M. Scarborough, Ontario
Reign of Deception, King John and the Signing of the Magna Carta is the true story of King John’s marriage to Isabelle of Angouleme, a young French girl he steals from the altar of a rival, then marries her himself! It sets off a chain of events that results in the loss of all of John’s territories in France. Vowing to restore his son’s inheritance King John wages war in France and England while engaging in a cunning psychological battle against Pope Innocent in Rome and his many enemies who are conspiring against him. What results is the signing of the Magna Carta at Runnymede followed by a bloody civil war which rocks England. With his young son by his side John battles ruthlessly winning castle after castle, amassing a great fortune, as he secretly struggles with the duplicity of those he loves. John becomes the most powerful ruler in Europe and is poised to regain all that he has lost until an unseen and deadly enemy rises up against him.
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“Thoroughly enjoyed it. It brought the characters to life… Bravo!!!!” R.W. Lincoln, England
“…very well written… extremely clear and exciting in the way it engages with a thrilling time in history and pulls together several fascinating events and characters. I can see from the play that Chris is a very capable dramatic writer… the play that Shakespeare never wrote”, it’s that important in terms of its place in British (and World) history…” William Emsworth, Development Producer, Bedlam Productions “The King’s Speech”
“…very impressive… it looks great, I love your passion…” Richard Rose, Barter Theatre, Abingdon VA
“I think that Christopher has done a tremendous job on bringing these stories and characters to life – it is an exciting and engaging read… It is a really interesting project and it would be great to be involved.” Sam Hoyle, Producer, “Broadchurch”, “Dr. Who”
“…an intelligently written piece which created a vivid and engaging world. The ambition and scope of the piece is commendable and Christopher skillfully handles the narrative.” Suzanne Bell, Literary Manager, Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse Theatre
“It is a very well written piece, really bringing to life this period of history in a way reads as very fresh and modern, and seems a worthy finalist for the Canadian National Playwriting competition. The story of King John and his marriage to Isabelle is an inherently dramatic one and this play doesn’t disappoint in conveying the drama of the period.” Will Mortimer, Literary Manager, Hamstead Theatre
“…I feel quite a lot of respect for this writer. The writer has really done the homework, and not just crafted a chronology of events, but a drama with all the good elements, warring factions, and betrayal in the bedroom. … characters are all richly drawn, specific and with lots at stake…” Garry Davey, Juror BC Theatre
“Mr. Morley’s characters are engaging and thought provoking and the events depicted (around the signing of the Magna Carta) are fascinating. An ambitious undertaking, MAGNA CARTA succeeds on several levels, as a satisfying, character driven story of love, survival and intrigue and as a compelling account of the rich events chronicled during this tumultuous time.” Richard McKenna, Dramatuge and Producer Toronto Workshop Productions/Toronto Free Theatre
“I really enjoyed it. I was totally immersed in the whole thing.” M.C. Barrie, Ontario
“I should congratulate you on a such an achievement as this play. It is quite a piece of work. I commend you on this success.” M.O. Toronto, Ontario
“It is a very well researched, well imagined and well-constructed historical drama. Chris is a very strong writer with a mature sense of craft.” Iris Turcott, Dramaturg, Factory Theatre, Toronto
“…I enjoyed it very much..” Ian Farthing, Artistic Director, St. Lawrence Shakespeare Company, Prescott Ontario
“…the underlying story is fascinating and provides many opportunities for compelling drama…” Brian Hamilton, Vice President and Executive Producer – Omni Films
“…kept me turning the page… this play is complete, all elements work…” Burton Lancaster, Juror BC Theatre
“…a noteworthy achievement…” Nicole Nattrass, Juror BC Theatre
“I agree with the many people who have commended the play.” Erskine Smith, Artistic Director, Victoria Playhouse, Prince Edward Island
