The Crown Jewels assessment – Al Murray King Charles is hysterical in plodding play

Following the primary Coronation in 70 years, it definitely is sensible for the West End to observe the epic Royal occasion with a play about The Crown Jewels.

The new heist comedy relies on the true story of Colonel Blood’s try and steal the nation’s treasured paraphernalia through the reign of King Charles II.

What follows on this theatrical manufacturing’s try and recreate historical past with a comic book twist finally ends up being extra common Carry On than witty Blackadder.

The foolish retelling is mildly amusing with mild bawdy humour, however the stretched-out plot struggled to maintain our consideration.

Yet regardless of numerous jokes falling flat, there was the occasional show-stealing scene of genius that had the viewers howling with laughter.

During the primary act, Al Murray addresses the theatre as merry monarch King Charles II in what ended up being a hilarious piece of considerably improved stand-up.

The comic would decide on members of the viewers, pointing at a bald bloke and asking why he couldn’t afford a wig, earlier than being shocked to search out out {that a} lady within the field was a health care provider.

We’d have been a lot happier if this had been many of the present, however that’s to not say that there weren’t another comedian highlights.

When Aidan McArdle’s Colonel Blood tried his escape of the Tower of London with the stolen Crown Jewels, aided by his bumbling sidekicks performed by Neil Morrissey and Joe Thomas, an enormous map of the fortress was introduced on stage with puppets representing the characters working round that had everybody cackling.

Additionally, Carrie Hope Fletcher’s glorious vocals had been at all times a joyous delight when she sometimes broke into tune. Overall, there’s nearly sufficient right here for an amusing night out however it could be a bit a lot for these solely mildly within the true story.

The Crown Jewels is carried out at London’s Garrick Theatre till September 16 earlier than occurring tour and tickets and be bought here.