Henry The Tudor Dude

Henry the Tudor Dude was written by Kjartan Poskitt. It’s based on the Life and Loves of the famous Royal, Henry VIII. It’s full of history cleverly worked into a musical play, and reminded me of the Horrible History range of stories. Co-Directors Harriet Cairnes & Julie Sturmey, have worked hard with the great cast to bring every bit of detail out in this great production, full of historical figures and all of his six wives. It’s a well written, witty and very funny musical. I was looking forward to seeing this show and we loved every minute of it.

The costumes were just right, and the front of house staff, some of whom were also costumed, greeted everyone as they entered. The stage was good with Tudor stained-glass windows, and throne. Scenes went smoothly from one to the other with different cloths, or items being hung on the back wall. Lighting and sound were just right.

The play starts with June Buxton as the Newsreader who was sat knitting the whole time before it started. She tells the story as news clips with different cast members as ‘reports’ helping the story move along with Henry VIII’s years of rein.

Henry VIII was played by Ian Rix, he was excellent in the role. His comic timing, great facial expressions, lots of energy and good singing made Ian perfect for the part. One of my favourite songs was ‘Blue’ with the whole nursery having been painted blue for his long awaited ‘son’, on the birth of his second daughter Elizabeth.   

Henry had given lots of influential jobs to men all named Thomas, ‘The Three Toms’ another great song. Peter Ansell was very good as Thomas Wolsey. Steven Reynolds was just right as the bad guy Thomas Cromwell. Andrew Galloway played Thomas Moore, all came to a nasty end, apart from Nathan East who was funny in his role of Thomas Cranmer.  

There is a large cast in the play and everyone played their part or sometimes two or three. They all stayed in character, and it was nice to see a good age range from the children to the seniors all having fun taking part. There are some nice cameos roles.

Musical Director Jono Spratt has also worked hard on all the original songs with the cast. ‘The Body Rock’, ‘The Battle of the Spurs’, to name a couple. Everything made for a great evening out, and I learned a few things in history I hadn’t realised. Well done to all concerned.

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