The Six Wives of Henry VIII, King's Head Theatre - ★★★★★ - Until March 7, 2020


If winter in London has you a bit down, step back in time and enjoy this thoroughly delightful review of the 'hysterical facts' about multi-married monarch, Henry VIII. Howard Coggins and Stu McLoughlin frame their historical massacre with the two of them devising the piece because Howard resembles the concupiscent king. From that moment of inspiration, the fun never stops. The pace is perfect as the audience is bounced from one joke to another and one scene to the next. As with all great sketch comedy there's no time for unnecessary reflection about the absurdity of what you are hearing and witnessing. One is swept up in the energy and rapid-fire delivery blissfully entering the spirit of it all. Both performances are beautifully honed. Howard Coggins' Henry works so well because while being hilarious he is not simply two-dimensional. This is a man with some serious daddy issues which are very amusingly explored. Stu McLoughlin is simply amazing in his ability to create a series of characters and to establish and individuate them in a heartbeat. His queens are inspired. Perhaps a little surprisingly, through all the anachronisms and parody there is a lot of solid history here, but who really cares about that! This is truly ingenious foolishness which is ultimately about relationships and partnerships, and what makes them work. Here, the partnership of Coggins and McLoughlin definitely works to create an entertainment which is bound to lift your spirits.

 Reviewed by J.C.
Photo by Farrows Creative.
 Our Score:  ☆☆☆☆☆ 

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 WHEN, WHERE, GETTING THERE:
Until March 7, 2020
Various show times available (see website below)
King's Head Theatre
Nearest tube: Angel
https://www.kingsheadtheatre.com/whats-on/the-six-wives-of-henry-viii
Map & Location: 115 Upper St, Islington, London N1 1QN, UK

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