EntertainmentTheatre

The Secret Diary of Henry VIII-Three Inch Fools at Luton Hoo Estate Walled Garden Review

DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW

Reviewed by Debbie Kingsland

This production would appeal to most however, in my opinion I wouldn’t have suggested it’s great for kids. There were a number of children between the ages of five and early teens last night but I do feel the comedy aspect would be appreciated more by an adult.

Showing is two and a half hours which includes a twenty minute break. Generally starting at seven and finishing at nine thirty. (The Three Inch Fools website says it is for 100 minutes including a 20 minute break which is not the case)
This production is showing at various locations, mainly stately homes, village greens, ruined cathedrals. 85 performances in total at 72 different locations until September 2024 but I understand more dates are planned. 

All the locations are out doors and being most are in a rural area please be advised that it’s unlikely you’ll have easy access via public transport. Whilst toilet facilities are likely to be provided drinks and snacks are probably going to be minimal. Ensure you take your own seats and blankets – it’ gets chilly once the sun goes down even on the warmest of evenings. Most people took picnics and their own refreshments, some even a picnic table and chairs which didn’t seem to be problematic.

The cast are a young group of individuals who make up the Three Inch Fools production and they tour the country with a variety of different “slap stick” musical adaptations of historical plays. If you like The Secret diary of Henry V111 it’s likely you’ll want to follow them to see others.

The play itself is set on a wooden stage where the audience are seated in a horse shoe around it. Due to this the audience feel a real part of the show and can see everything regardless of where they are sitting. The actors really involve everyone all of the time which makes you feel that you are participating. The one downside I would say is that if you are on the right and they are facing the left, or vice versa it’s sometimes difficult to hear. I assume this will be the same at all the locations.

The production is a true representation of the history of Henry V111 being launch as a king at a very early age and his wives through his years, that’s pretty much where the likenesses. The play is fast, energetic and hilariously funny with slapstick humour. As in true old English theatre, the men play the women and the girls the men which makes it even more amusing as they totally go overboard representing the sexes.

The actors have a number of musical instruments which they articulately use throughout the show along with great singing too, making it a true musical.

Looking around the audience there were constant cheers, belly laughs and clapping throughout so thoroughly enjoyed by all. I would definitely be following The Three Inch Fools to see when their next production local to me falls.

https://lutonhooestate.co.uk/event/the-secret-diary-of-henry-viii-three-inch-fools/

Prices – 0- £35

Rating: 4/5 

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