4. Macbeth and Monarchy

Available for over a year

Major public figures, in conversation with Professor Emma Smith, explore whether Shakespeare might help us resolve some challenging contemporary issues. Mercy Muroki is a Policy Fellow for the Minister for Women and Equalities, Kemi Badenoch. She is also a passionate royalist who believes in “full-fat” pageantry rather than a slimmed-down version. On the eve of the coronation of King Charles, Mercy discusses with Emma what kind of monarchy is most likely to unite the nation – a somewhat distant figure, such as Queen Elizabeth II, or a more contemporary hands-on monarch. Might Shakespeare’s description in Macbeth of an ideal king or his depiction of Richard II when stripped of all regalia, help them decide? With contributions from Professor Paul Prescott Producer: Beaty Rubens Made to mark the 400th anniversary of the First Folio. A Just Radio production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in May 2023.