The Sleeping Prince (play)

The Sleeping Prince: An Occasional Fairy Tale is a 1953 play by Terence Rattigan, conceived to coincide with the coronation of Elizabeth II in the same year.

[1] Set in London in 1911, it tells the story of Mary Morgan, a young actress, who meets and ultimately captivates Prince Charles of Carpathia,[2] considered to be inspired by Carol II of Romania.

The British government pamper the Royals during their stay in order to maintain Carpathian in the Triple Entente as the tensions between ruling families all over Europe is rising.

Nicholas invites Mary to the ceremonial ball, where she persuades to draw up a contract, where he reveals the Germans plans, but only if the Prince Regent agrees to a general election.

"[6]The Spectator however, called it "the very best of its kind";[5] Michael Redgrave directed the play on Broadway at the Coronet Theatre in November and December 1956, with the following cast:[7] The production ran for 60 performances.

[7] Marilyn Monroe bought the rights to the play and subsequently produced The Prince and the Showgirl (1957), with Rattigan also writing the screen adaptation.

[9] Although a box office disaster in its day, the New York Times credits Olivier with extracting a "delightful, comic performance" from Monroe.