THE LOWRY, SALFORD – UNTIL SATURDAY 23RD SEPTEMBER 2023
REVIEWED BY MIA BOWEN
4****
The Crown Jewels is based on a true-life historical incident about one of the most daring heist ventures in British history. Written by BAFTA nominated, Simon Nye creator of Men Behaving Badly and directed by multi-award winner Sean Foley, who is known for his work on shows such as Upstart Crow. Last night the amazing array of comedy talent, brought this production to life, at the Lowry Theatre.
This production has enlisted some of the cream of British comedy, Al Murray in his stage debut who is known for his character the Pub Landlord, Neil Morrissey from Men Behaving Badly and Line of Duty, Mel Giedroyc from the Great British Bake Off and Joe Thomas from The Inbetweeners. Other cast members include the very talented Tanvi Virmani from Life of Pi and Carrie Hope Fletcher from Les Misérables and Heathers, who had the chance to show off her undeniably strong voice.
The year is 1671, Irish Army Officer Colonel Blood, a charming and erratic figure takes on the most engaging and high-wigged of all monarchs, Charles ll, who is awaiting his coronation. Blood hatches a treasonous plan to steal the Crown Jewels in plain sight with the help of his gang of misfits.
There are some genuinely funny moments, especially during the first half where Murray interacts with the audience in his Pub Landlord stand-up comedy style. During the audience participation a gentleman is asked where he is from and he replies, ‘Royal Borough of Warrington’. Murray clearly enjoys his regal role with his flamboyant mannerisms and over-egging aristocratic vowels and accent, reminding me of Moira Rose from the American comedy, Schitt’s Creek. The funniest moments in the show comes when Murray and Giedroyc work the audience and are allowed to just improvise, because they themselves are laughing so much!
Adonis Siddique is a standout as the King’s footman, a wide-eyed and busy moustached man providing a few laughs.
You can expect a right royal knees up, kind of an evening!