I saw part one tonight and after the second act my heart was racing! How can I wait till part two comes? How could I sleep, couldn't sleep if I tried, Where can I run, but to Anne Boleyn's side? How can I wait till part two-ooh comes!
I have instantly become obsessed with Lydia Leonard, the brilliant actress playing Anne Boleyn with such vitality and strength. Her ousting of Katherine of Aragon and subsequent ascent to the throne was so much fun I might as well have been watching the election rigging arc on Scandal.
Nathaniel Parker is a very human Henry VIII, not the stock bullheaded virile man we have come to associate with the historical figure. I'm no Tudor expert, but this portrayal felt fleshing and more real than some of the more cartoon-like representations of the king.
Ben Miles (Tom from the Norman Conquests revival!!) essential never leaves the stage as Thomas Cromwell. Just as Cromwell was a cunning lawyer and political maneuverer, Miles gives a sly, often subtle performance that creeps up on you. Just as you're saying, wait! How did this guy get all this power, the same can be said of his performance and the careful layering he applied to his character. It just sneaks up on you.
The lighting is so good that's it's a character unto itself. I also loved all the transitional music.
The direction by Jeremy Herrin is first-rate.
I was stupid and should have seen these back to back on a weekend.
Marie: Don't be in such a hurry about that pretty little chippy in Frisco.
Tony: Eh, she's a no chip!