Sunday, November 24

Tag: Al Murray

The Crown Jewels – The Lowry
North West

The Crown Jewels – The Lowry

Things should have gone so differently. A fantastic ‘stranger than fiction’ piece of British history; a vibrant, clever set; a stellar cast featuring some the cream of stage and screen, paired with a renowned TV comedy writer. This should have been a barnstormer of a show. And yet, tonight’s re-telling of an infamous 17th century heist to steal the Crown Jewels, by Colonel Thomas Blood and his accomplices, falls flatter than the St Edward’s Crown that Blood mangles with his mallet, so as to fit it into his loot bag. So, what has gone wrong? Blood’s story may not be as well known as that other treasonous tale, the Gunpowder Plot, but it is a fascinating one of how the royal regalia was nearly pilfered, it’s only protection a lone elderly custodian, Talbot Edwards, and a less-than-reli...
The Crown Jewels – Garrick Theatre
London

The Crown Jewels – Garrick Theatre

The Crown Jewels has opened in London’s West End this summer for a limited run. With its star-studded cast and satirical comedy, this play is an interesting take on the monarch and the true story of Colonel Thomas Blood’s attempt to steal the Crown jewels in 1671. It is evident from the opening number that this show sets out to mock and provide the audience with humour. Carrie Hope Fletcher opens the show as the Lady of the Bedchamber to King Charles II singing a folk-like song ‘Praise Him’ which draws the audience in. However, it is later unclear whether this show is attempting to be a musical. Fletcher has an undeniable range and belt – the limited songs giving her the opportunity to showcase her impressive talent. Unfortunately, the songs throughout the show felt somewhat misplaced a...