Shaw's comedy of ideologies looks forty years to the future at the impossibility of government as the British cabinet and monarchy face a day of "crisis" for the country. King Magnus is happy to engage a prime minister seeking to transform the nation into a constitutional monarchy, but who truly rules in this democracy: the king, the government or the businessmen? And do any of them care about the people?
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
 Helen MirrenNot listed | Not listed |
 Nigel DavenportKing Magnus | King Magnus |
 Prunella ScalesQueen Jemima | Queen Jemima |
 Beryl ReidAmanda | Amanda |
| JJoyce GrantLysistrata | Lysistrata |
 Bill FraserBoanerges | Boanerges |
 Peter BarkworthPrime Minister | Prime Minister |
 Griffith JonesForeign Secretary | Foreign Secretary |
 Trevor BaxterColonial Secretary | Colonial Secretary |
| RReg PritchardChancellor of the Exchequer | Chancellor of the Exchequer |
 Thorley WaltersHome Secretary | Home Secretary |
| SSimon LackPamphilius | Pamphilius |
| JJames LeithSampronius | Sampronius |
| BBernard TaylorAmerican Ambassador | American Ambassador |
| DDeborah MakepeacePrincess Royal | Princess Royal |