Mock Tudor is a right laugh

By Amy Stow

This romp through ‘The Palace’, undoubtedly based on Hampton Court, devised, directed by and starring Lily Bevan, is homage to those tireless re-enactors of the past, those living history actors that bring our ancestors to life again in the present. The premise is simple – The Palace re-enactors are on the brink of being fired, and must act their Tudor socks off to save their 21st century skins (jobs). The execution of this task, however, is anything but simple.

Bevan plays Sophie in ‘modern’, aka Queen Kathryn of Aragon, and continually confuses herself with the plot, necessary accents, and the customs and foodstuffs of this Tudor yesteryear. Henry VIII – played in ‘modern’ by lactose-intolerant, grief-stricken, endearing Sam (a versatile Will Rastall), fancies Anne Boleyn (the LARPing, uptight Jess in modern, in turn played by the newly graduated Sophie-Bleasdale). Henry VIII must inform Kathryn of their imminent divorce (the Pope willing, although we all know how that turns out), in earshot of Anne Boleyn’s cheeky wench (Nic in the ‘modern’ world, who are both played by a talented Emily Gilchrist). Confused? Don’t be! A riotous romp ensues, forsooth!

With Michael Sheen’s voice providing some narration, a pre-recorded comedy Q&A from the audience, excellent comic timing and engaging performances, Mock Tudor is just delightful. Mayhap this is perfect for anyone who feels that they were born into the wrong era – or those that are simply game for a laugh. Game, geddit? Like as in hunting game? No? I think I’ll just leave the writing to Bevan, then.

★★★★ #UNBORING

Mock Tudor

Pleasance Courtyard, 13:45 (1 hr)

10th-25th August (not 11th)

#MockTudor

#reviews