one4review | On 13, Aug 2013

****

Anachronisms and puns abound in this most entertaining romp in words and song through the extraordinary life of Henry VIII. There is some historical accuracy in that the wives follow each other in the correct sequence as well as the right dates when key events occurred.

Whilst wearing a crown in his portrayal of Henry, Howard Coggins with his generous frame and beard has the appearance of the king as depicted in the portraits of the period. Stu McLoughlin takes on the challenge of playing all of the wives, doing this by some quick changes into different frocks. It is certainly not a costume drama. As for the historical liberties, the game show format of ‘Blind Date’ is a particular highlight when Henry was selecting one of his wives.

The structure adopted is the play within a play. As wife follows wife, tension develops between Coggins and McLoughlin and comes to a head when the latter takes offence and stomps off. However, all ends in harmony as they come together to finish the play with Henry’s death scene. They close by performing a country ditty – an amusing and neat conclusion

Reviewed by Ben

Assembly George Square; 3

31 July to 26 August 2013 (not 6, 13)

16.35 – 17.50

Fringe Programme Page Number: 322