THEATRE / On theatre
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Henry VIII bore a startling resemblance to actor Keith Michell. This probably didn't bother him a great deal, but was very good news for the latter who, after singing his way into the hearts of the nation as the poet Browning in the 1964 smash-hit musical Robert and Elizabeth, was casting about for something new to do.
The British musical was dead in all but name. And 1965 brought not only Lionel Bart's disastrous Robin Hood musical Twang] to an unsuspecting public, but also the astonishing Passion Flower Hotel, which included formidably early appearances by Michael Cashman and Francesca Annis. The score of this unique work can be sampled on a recently released CD of the original recording (there cannot possibly have been any others). Francesca Annis, meanwhile, is on safer ground these days in Lady Windermere's Fan.
So when the BBC came up with The Six Wives of Henry VIII, Michell must have been a happy man. The series spawned merchandising, exhibitions, and a job opportunity for Glenda Jackson MP (who used to be an actress) in the form of a sequel, Elizabeth R.
In addition to aspiring to the condition of Liz Taylor in the multiple-marriage stakes, Henry was also rumoured to have written the 16th-century smash-hit, 'Greensleeves. For further information, hie thee along to the altogether splendid Under Their Hats at the King's Head. Or try Henry VIII, Portrait of a Serial Killer (above).
'Henry VIII, Portrait of a Serial Killer' runs from tonight to Sat at the Purcell Room (071-928 8800) See Beyond the West End, Central
(Photograph omitted)
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments