A new musical comedy, sharing the story of unrequited love between a jester in Henry VIII’s household and a barmaid, is set to run at the Merlin Theatre starting on 29th October.
‘King of Fools’, written by Martin Dimery, is the latest production by the Kairos Theatre Company, under the direction of Anne Dimery.
The show is set in the court of Henry VIII. The story centres on Will Summers, Henry’s court jester, who discovers an entertaining barmaid, Jane, and transforms her into “Jane Fool,” Anne Boleyn’s personal jester.
Organisers say, “Jane becomes a great success but as Henry’s relationship with Anne begins to fail, Jane is drawn into Thomas Cromwell’s conspiracy to dispose of Anne Boleyn and so risks her own head on the block.
“Will and Jane existed in real life but little is known of them. ‘King of Fools’ is a fictional interpretation which sees the two of them locked in a battle of unrequited love.”
The script is written by Martin Dimery, former director of the Frome Festival and known for his performances in the long-touring comic-tribute acts Sgt. Pepper’s Only Dart Board Band and, currently, the Unravelling Wilburys.
The former drama teacher has spent many years writing and producing new stage shows, several of which have been commercially published and produced throughout the UK.
Most recently, he collaborated with musician David Hynds on an historic musical entitled ‘The Haunting of Richard the Third.’ It was produced by his partner, Anne, for Kairos Theatre in the 2022 Frome Festival, later touring to other festivals.
Organisers of ‘King of Fools’ say, “This is a fast-moving comedy with songs that draw on rock, jazz and music hall styles. Martin Dimery has co-composed the songs with keyboard player Helen Turner, who has an impressive CV and is primarily known as a member of Paul Weller’s Style Council and subsequent bands. Helen performed with Paul Weller at Wembley Stadium in Live Aid and headlined at the Glastonbury Festival. She is the musical director of ‘King of Fools.’
“It should delight anyone who has enjoyed the historical parodies of Mel Brooks or Ben Elton,” says Martin Dimery. “The rule of Henry VIII has a lot of similarities with our own Trumpian times.”
The show opens on October the 29th for four performances at the Merlin Theatre, Frome. Tickets are now available from the theatre box office or online.
