mock tudorMock Tudor is centred on the phenomenon of costumed characters at Hampton Court Palace (so Henry VIII, rather than Mickey Mouse), who face being replaced by new interactive technology. The result is a tame production, falling a bit sloppy in places despite its good intentions at heart.

The ensemble cast work well together and there is some great chemistry throughout, in particular the romance between Will Rastall and Sophie Bleasdale. Each character has their moment in the spotlight, which in a comedy is rarely seen as bit characters are often overlooked. However, the level of individual characterisation – or any character development – seems less for the benefit of the plot, and appears to be a very conscious decision as if out of a writers’ workshop. Sam’s bereavement, whilst it deals with a serious issue, feels like a clumsy addition to the play in order to pad his character out. It is discarded after the five minutes of ‘issue’ stage time. Sophie’s varying levels of confidence also seem to jar a little: her ‘Spanglish’ as Catherine of Aragon is amusing throughout, but her dithering attitude off stage is a little annoying.

Fraser Milward is the weak link of the cast, though this seems less about his personal performance and more the signposted characterisation pointing him out as an obvious ‘bad guy’. His scene with the executives, whilst vital to the plot, is boring because of its sole purpose as exposition. I feel it is too much of a cliché to lead with technology versus the heart and soul of live theatre, which is a shame when it then acts as the central conflict.

Despite these qualms, I did want the play to succeed. It’s a charming premise, with good casting, and the performers could quite easily have promising careers in comedy. It’s just a shame the script is a little too heavy-handed to get caught up in. Give it a quick tidy around the edges and it could make a fine play.

Mock Tudor plays at the Pleasance Courtyard (Venue 33) until 25 August. For tickets and more information, visit the Edinburgh Fringe website.