Very few people can say that they’ve: been a princess, drank with Elizabeth I, caused one of the biggest Swedish sex scandals in history and become a pirate! But for Princess Cecilia Vasa of Sweden this strange and exciting (although at times upsetting) reality was the case.
Daughter Of Sweden- That One Princess Who Drunk With Lizzie I and Thrown Out of England, takes a look at a young princess whose life fell apart after engaging in an affair at the age of 19. With her reputation as a pure young lady in tatters, left to the conservatorship of which ever man in her family ended up in charge, she begins to dream of a life where she can be free. Taking a look at the constraints of being a woman of noble status in Sweden during the rule of famously single Elizabeth I, we see how rebellion and freedom can come at a serious price (quite literally here with Cecilia landing in quite a lot of debt).
Following the princess through marriage, loss, financial struggle, blame and sheer will power actress and writer Cecilia Säverman delivers us a performance powered with gusto and brilliance. Säverman’s passion for the subject is clear, and she is able to take us on a roller coaster of emotions through her writing and performance, taking on multiple characters and creating a perfectly flawed protagonist. Judith Hollander’s direction is fast paced and captivating, with the full stage space being used to its fullest.
A small but effective set gives Säverman plenty to interact with, setting the scene as a private museum set up to remember the “canceled” princess. A large casket, a treasure chest, a dressed up amp to imitate Elizabeth I along with an image of the “chastity medal” awarded to Cecilia by her brother in a last effort to get her married off, fill the space.
Whilst Cecilia Vasa’s life is not exactly positively influenced it certainly is commendable and impressive, and this is certainly the perfect show for those interested in history and scandal.
Daughter Of Sweden- That One Princess Who Drunk With Lizzie I and Thrown Out of England plays at The Space@Surgeons Hall at 10:10 from 17th-22nd August. Purchase tickets at Daughter of Sweden – That One Princess Who Got Drunk with Lizzie I and Thrown Out of England | Edinburgh Festival Fringe
Reviewer: Beth Eltringham
Reviewed: 19th August 2026
North West End UK / Theatre Muse UK Rating: