Imagine the weakest episode of Blackadder crossed with Horrible Histories on an off-day and a woefully under-rehearsed panto. Now you have a rough idea of this shabby comedy, written by Simon (Men Behaving Badly) Nye and starring comedian Al Murray as a coarse, voluptuary Charles II. The opening of Sean Foley’s production was delayed by a week because it wasn’t ready. Not nearly long enough, it seems.
Based on a real attempt by Irish turncoat and self-proclaimed colonel Thomas Blood (Aidan McArdle, looking Hobbit-like and embarrassed) to steal the Crown Jewels 10 years after the Restoration, it’s full of schoolboy smut, knowing anachronisms and familiar TV faces. Murray and Mel Giedroyc at least demonstrate great audience rapport and comic timing.
