There is not a great amount known about Henry, as his family burnt every trace of him after he led the family name to shame through his various scandalous actions, including gutting the family church in order to replace it with a theatre. We also know that he went to Eton, had a short lived marriage and died almost penniless at the age of 29. The play had these events as main checkpoints and then found a quick route to get between each one. Because of this, I found that it lacked substance and made it difficult to "connect" with the characters. However, for me personally that wasn't too much of a problem as the evening was still great fun!
The story is told through the "most obvious and accessible of all art forms" which is, naturally, a West End style musical. As a result we are treated to some incredibly over-the-top songs and acting which were very funny, although the over-rehearsed, open-mouthed grins at the audience did become rather tiresome. A parody of West End Musicals, the songs accentuate all of the stereotypical features of a musical theatre song leading to moments of absolute comic genius and creating a few golden songs which are, in my opinion, the highlight of the show.
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The show is, as promised, "not difficult", just 75 minutes in which to be thoroughly entertained. A show that is bursting with energy and light (quite literally, the stage is bedecked with fairy lights). Although perhaps a slight exaggeration of the truth it is undeniably fun, witty and cleverly crafted, well worth a visit if you want a light-hearted laugh.