If Mary Tudor were to be burnt at the stake today, the script of this historical comedy would be the perfect material for burning her a:Live!
This 60-minute regal stand-up reinterprets one of the darkest and most turbulent times in British history and confronts both the comedy and tragedy of Bloody Mary’s #queenager life, dealing with divorced parents, first kisses and, oh, beheadings… but sadly, it hasn’t got the crowning glory of that other recent Tudor stage success.
In this one-woman show, Olivia Miller explodes with talent and energy and doesn’t let the audience rest for a second. Her confidence and stagecraft is truly admirable, but the cohesion and general appeal of the comedic material lets her down and doesn’t allow the audience to experience a seamless transition between the humour and more serious moments, which are otherwise well acted.