Theatre review: The Secret Diary of Henry VIII by The Three Inch Fools at Weald & Downland Living Museum [UK tour]

Photo credit: Anthony Oxley

I do not have the best track record with outdoors theatre. I attended a production at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre in London three times before I managed to see the whole show and it didn't finish prematurely due to heavy rain fall. And I don't think I've ever in my life been quite as soaked as I was during my visit to the iconic Minack Theatre in Cornwall (I'm still unsure how the actors didn't float from the puddle-filled stage straight into the sea). So I was due an open air experience that went without a hitch, and The Three Inch Fools' The Secret Diary of Henry VIII at the beautiful Weald & Downland Living Museum delivered – and then some. 

The Three Inch Fools comedy group is co-founded by brothers James Hyde (producer) and Stephen Hyde (writer, director, and composer). With a four-piece strong cast (Charlotte Horner, Peter Long, James Aldred, and Lucy Chamberlain), the troupe is currently touring the UK with two different productions: Shakespeare's Comedy of Errors and The Secret Diary of Henry VIII. I had the pleasure of enjoying the latter in the beautiful Sussex countryside earlier this week. 

Photo credit: Anthony Oxley

We all know the history of Henry the VIII's and his six wives, or at least we think we do... In The Secret Diary of Henry VIII, however, we see an even more outrageous side to the infamous monarch. We meet a younger version of the royal before he's suddenly catapulted onto the throne with all the expectations of producing a male heir. Cue one wife after another entering the scene and almost as quickly exiting it again (sometimes with their head chopped off, ouch). 

This was my first time experiencing a production by The Three Inch Fools and it certainly won't be the last. The show was such a hoot for all ages, think Horrible Histories with plenty of gags for both adults and children to enjoy. We were astonished throughout that only four actors were taking on the plethora of roles (including performing the live music), with many terrific quick changes shifting the dynamics on stage within seconds. Particular stand-outs were Charlotte Horner as the titular character as well as James Aldred who amongst his many roles gave a show-stealing but sadly rather short-lived performance as Katherine of Aragon – I'd happily watch The Secret Diary of Katherine of Aragon next! 

Photo credit: Anthony Oxley

We were also incredibly lucky with the weather on the day we saw the show. In fact, maybe even too much as it was nearly 30 degrees (unheard of in the UK). While the cast were working their Tudor socks off in this heat, we enjoyed a lovely picnic in the gorgeous surroundings of the Weald & Downland Living Museum with the ducks happily quaking away behind us (we joked "chuckling along to the performance") and lots of house martins and pigeons flying over the stage wanting to join in with the action. It really added to the idyllic and wholesome experience.

The Secret Diary of Henry VIII by The Three Inch Fools is an absolutely fantastic theatrical outing. It's truly a laugh-a-minute; jam-packed with witty dialogue (which has lots of clever pop culture references) and hilariously outrageous characters (big Tudor bonnets off to the co-founders and cast for the tight script and brilliant performances). Add to that the spectacular setting – and, looking at the touring list, there are plenty of other wonderful outdoors venues across the UK the troupe will be performing at in the coming months – and you've got yourself the perfect summer's evening out for the whole family. 

The Secret Diary of Henry VIII by The Three Inch Fools is touring the UK until 20 September 2024 (alongside the troupe's other show, Comedy of Errors. You can view all the upcoming locations and book your tickets here.