Review: THE CROWN JEWELS, Garrick Theatre
A delayed press night and star casting to the max meant that we were very intrigued to visit the Garrick Theatre to see The Crown Jewels. The night was filled with hilarity but we also left feeling slightly confused.
Written by BAFTA nominated writer Simon Nye, The Crown Jewels is described as a heist comedy based on true events, namely Colonel Blood’s attempt to steal Charles II’s crown jewels from the Tower of London in 1671.
Sean Foley directs a host of stars of stage and screen in this part comedy part musical with strong elements of farce and slapstick. King Charles II’s ten year jubilee address is almost derailed as Colonel Blood (Aidan McArdle) and his accomplices, his son (Joe Thomas), Robert Perrot (Neil Morrissey), and an actor posing as his wife (Dedun Omole), feign illness and propose marriage to attempt to steal the crown jewels. They are apprehended by the stabbed Master of the Jewel House’s son returning from Flanders but bizarrely Blood is ultimately pardoned by the King. This story of a notorious thorn in the Stuart crown’s side is almost unbelievable and the play had the potential to bring attention to this little known heist that is generally overshadowed by Guy Fawkes. However, instead, The Crown Jewels is preoccupied with highlighting the specific talents of its cast with mixed degrees of success.
The first half is significantly stronger as Carrie Hope Fletcher, playing Mistress of the Bedchamber and later daughter of the Master of the Jewel House, opens the show with a rousing song. She really does have a beautiful and strong voice, however beyond the finale, she is the only character who sings and one cannot help but feel that the songs are largely unnecessary and specific to her casting.
Al Murray, as King Charles II and Talbot Edwards Master of the Jewel House, is the star of the show. He is given plenty of opportunity to showcase his standup and improv talents as he breaks the fourth wall while rehearsing his jubilee speech. Mel Giedroyc is also a standout as Mrs Edwards and an extremely flirty french noblewoman.
The laughs and audience participation are, of course, dependent on each show but last night we were treated to some comedy gold. The ad lib was then cleverly weaved throughout the show but unfortunately, the hilarity of the improv highlights the weakness of the script. When paired with the cast multi-roling, the arguably simple story is confusing at times.
In the second half, The Crown Jewels starts to run out of steam. There are a lot less laughs and we were starved of any big revelations as by the end of the first half, the crown jewels had already been stolen and the thieves captured. We were left with a selection of disjointed scenes as the tick box exercise of showcasing each star actor continues.
The Crown Jewels often feels like a pantomime for grown-ups. The set is bold and looks painted on, and there are some fun elements such a giant map complete with puppets that is used to simulate the thieves being chased through the Tower of London. Following many of the lines, there is a cheeky wink as it is expected that laughs will follow and the majority of the time they do. The Crown Jewels is a comedy that will make you laugh but sadly you will be distracted by the general lack of cohesion.
During the play, King Charles proclaims “I love newness” and all new theatre should be applauded. However, it is hard to envisage what the future could be for The Crown Jewels as the writing is so specific to its cast. This silly, smutty and star-studded comedy is certainly a fun and flirty night at the theatre.
*** Three stars
Reviewed by: Sophie Luck
The Crown Jewels plays at the Garrick Theatre until 16 September, with tickets available here:
📸 Hugo Glendinning