Eden's Empire

Description

Fifty years ago, Britain propelled itself into a disastrous war in the Middle East. Condemned by the UN and accused of falsifying intelligence, the Prime Minister was left fighting for his political life against a Party disillusioned, a public betrayed, and a wily Chancellor with ambitions to take his place... With the pressure of opposition to his war, Prime Minister Anthony Eden rapidly lost his grip on both the Empire and his health. Unable to control the growing power of both the United States and the Arab world, nor his own failing body, history would mark him as the worst British Prime Minister of the twentieth century. A new, uncompromising political thriller exploring with electrifying theatricality the events of the Suez Crisis, and the tragic story of its flawed hero - Churchill's golden boy and heir apparent, Anthony Eden.

James Graham is writer in residence at the Finborough Theatre, London. His first play, Coal not Dole, played at the Edinburgh Festival in 2002 and subsequently toured the North of England. His second play, Albert's Boy, was published by Methuen Drama to coincide with its premiere at the Finborough Theatre in July 2005.