A Performance Fit for a King

Form Five treated us to a sterling production of Kjartan Poskitt’s “Henry The Tudor Dude” based on the life of Henry VIII.  It is certainly an amusing take on the dramatic events that engulf this infamous English Monarch who romps his way through life building navies, discarding wives, breaking away from the Church of Rome and waging war on the French.  Many of the notable historic characters are presented as caricatures and so there is plenty of opportunity for fun in this production.  A collegiate effort would be an understatement as with a cast of 38 everyone has at least three roles to play and there is a swift rotation of sanctimonious TV presenters who narrate the events directly to the audience.

It is hard to mention all the performances as everyone in the company did so well.  However, I must mention my young Henry, Will, my slightly older Henry, Thomas and my fat, bald and diseased Henry, Hugh, who gave fantastic performances, really mastering the joys and angers of this testy King.   There were strong supporting roles given by Emily as Wolsey, William as Cranmer, Ellie as Cromwell, Finn as More and, of course, the side-kick executioners and warders Luke, Joshua, Fraser, George and Matthew.