House of Cards

To launch the newly-refurbished Kensington Palace, Historic Royal Palaces has worked with creators of interactive theatrical adventures, Coney, to create two installations that reveal the secret lives of characters in the history of the British monarchy. The multimedia installations, which feature costumes from the collection and live performances, are designed to encourage visitors to engage with stories from the Houses of Stuart and Hanover. In the Queen's Apartments, the rise and fall of the Stuarts is seen through the eyes of 'Little William' in an installation, designed by Joanna Scotcher, that features elaborate mirrors, cabinets, love letters and ships in bottles. Eighteenth-century celebrity, fashion, politics and treachery are the focus of the installation in the King's Apartments, where costumed performers invite visitors to take part in a game of cards, collecting hints and tips about the King as they progress.