I don’t know about you, but I think Helen Mirren is more than a queen; she’s a goddess. But in the live National Theatre broadcast of The Audience this week — at Town Hall Theater in Middlebury — she is indeed playing Queen Elizabeth II. Word has it, Mirren is stunning, and I’m not surprised.

Actually, the show isn’t “live” from across the pond this time — The Audience played at THT in June to rave reviews and sold-out shows. This week’s two encore performances are literally back by popular demand.

Peter Morgan’s play, which has been a huge hit in London, is structured as a series of “audiences” the Queen holds with a series of prime ministers who have served during her long reign. Who remembers John Major?

The Audience will be screened at 1 and 7 p.m. at THT in Middlebury. But that’s not all! In honor of the occasion, the Middlebury Inn will be serving a British-style high tea after the 1 p.m. showing. Plan on a few extra squats to work off that clotted cream and trifle, mates.

Tickets for both The Audience ($17) and the high tea ($15) are available through the THT box office at 382-9222 or online.

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Pamela Polston is a contributing arts and culture writer and editor. She cofounded Seven Days in 1995 with Paula Routly and served as arts editor, associate publisher and writer. Her distinctive arts journalism earned numerous awards from the Vermont...