The Regina Monologues, a new play written by Jenny Wafer and Rebecca Russell (who also performs), is given its world-premier by Tidemark Theatre. It takes a fresh look at the story of the six wives of Henry VIII by moving the action to 2006.
In a room in which they all once lived, all 6 are on stage, as the action moves from one to another. Each begins giving first impressions and ends describing the death of the relationship with the man that they may have once loved but ultimately were betrayed by. The stories are told with a good degree of humour but do not shy away from portraying the darker experiences, from painful childbirth, to the feelings of the young Katie (of the wives, Kathryn Howard, played here ably by Madison Hughes) on being trapped into marriage by an abusive older man.
The performances are strong, with the women very confident in their very different roles. Katherine Barry (Anna or Anne of Cleaves) revels in the unexpected twist given to the story of the 4th wife whose marriage was never consummated.
The set works extremely well and, despite some costume changes and need for the women to move around the set, the pace is kept up throughout. A skilful production all round.
