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BBC Three Counties
I've lost count of the number of times that I've been attracted by a very cleverly titled play and then been hugely disappointed when the actual thing fails to live up to the creativity of its listing. But not so here.
With The Regina Monologues by Rebecca Russell and Jenny Wafer I was wonderfully entertained by the innovative way that the writers transplant the stories of the six wives of Henry VIII into the 21st century. And by doing so, show that their lives may not be that far removed from those of modern women.
Add to that the excellent performances of six talented actors in the Tidemark Theatre Company and you've got a recipe for success.
Moving
The Six Wives of Henry VIII
Catherine of Aragon is now Cathy and co-author Rebecca Russell gives a very moving portrayal of the pain and frustration experienced by a wife knowing that her stale marriage is essentially over but they are staying together for the sake of the family.
Just like her historical counterpart she is growing older and is increasingly aware that she has failed to give her husband the son that he craves. But in the 21st century, knowing that her husband is having an affair with a younger model, she seeks IVF treatment to remedy the situation!
The victorious mistress is Annie, (Anne Boleyn) who goes on a real journey of contrasts that Anna McLeod deals with very well. Triumphantly gloating as she gets her man, her victorious delight soon turns to anger and despair as she sees history repeating itself.
Jane (Seymour) is now a "sentimental airhead". We have always been told that she was the one who made Henry happy because she gave him his son and Chrystalla Spire is delightful as the sweet, exuberant, idealistic wife. She then manages to portray well the realisation that Henry loved her for what she gave him, not for what she was.
Inspired
Writers less skilled may now drop off. With three more wives to deal with, two of them equally spurned, there may be a temptation to write more of the same - but not with these two. They step up a gear!
Henry VIII was attracted to Anne of Cleves from her portrait but wasn't so enamoured in real life so portraying her as someone who he meets through an Internet dating service is nothing short of inspired! But even more innovative is the added twist - which I won't spoil for you!
Julie Grant revels in this role, being practical and resigned to her fate. And just as Anne of Cleves got what she wanted from the union - so does she!
Catherine Howard was Anne Boleyn's young cousin when she married 50-year-old Henry. She is now a teenage Katie, abused by her uncle Henry and blackmailed into marriage and Louisa Stevens movingly shows the disintegration of a happy and confident teenager to trapped and unhappy wife.
Tina Swain is wonderfully bustling and practical as Catherine (Parr), taking on the "difficult" step children and looking after an ageing and sick husband for reasons that are not entirely altruistic!
As she sets off on a world cruise after his death we are left pondering six women, all in slightly different situations but all of which you can feel for.
The skill of the writers is also shown in that we also get the full measure of an unseen character - Henry. A man who abuses his power - is vile, selfish, manipulative and worst of all - ginger!
Well-researched
This play is extremely well-researched, and not only do we get a real insight into what each wife might really have thought of their situation, by putting it in a modern context it also makes history leap off the page and implies that we are probably not all that different from out 16th century sisters.
When you realise that while lifestyles may change, human nature rarely does, history quite literally becomes alive and more accessible.
Cleverly constructed, this is not a series of six monologues spoken one after the other. Skillfully directed by Rosemary Goodman, each wife takes a turn to reveal another bit of their story which serves to hold the audiences interest as all the tales reach their climax at once.
The Regina Monologues is also both extremely funny and tear to the eye poignant, changing in the space of seconds, and I would go as far as to say that it was almost Bennett-esque (i.e. Alan) in the ability to find humour in the minutiae of life as well as in the big relationship type things!
The writers display a wonderful sense of humour which sits effortlessly next to tragedy. While Annie and Katie aren't literally beheaded, they feel metaphorically "dead" and their pain is palpable.
But as the writers touch your heart, they also make you laugh out loud at everyday observations and feelings - especially their digs at men!
The design is beautifully thought out too. Both the set and the characters are dressed in purple and lilac colours which are at once highly contemporary but with a regal, Tudor feel.
I found it to be a thoroughly entertaining evening that just "works" - and also leaves you with much food for thought.
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