Guy Fawkes, York Theatre Royal, November 2022

You’d have to be living under a powder keg to not know of York’s links to the infamous Guy Fawkes. He was born in the city in 1570, baptised at St Michael Le Belfry church and attended St Peter’s School. There’s a pub named after him, and he even appears in cutlery form – Guy Forks – in my Wizard Walk of York!

His later life is now documented here on stage, in a new play written by David Reed and directed by Gemma Fairlie. Described as The Princess Bride meets Horrible Histories and Blackadder, this is the tale of the plotters conspiratorial plans to overthrow King James. But did it light up the stage or fizzle out? Find out below!

Rogues Gallery

As well as penning the script, Reed takes on the title role of Guy. Rugged and dangerous, he brings a seriousness – and later a pathos – to a role which contrasts well against the others.

Cassie Valance shines as Martha Percy, bringing some fantastic physical comedy to the stage. To begin with, she’s a kept woman and dotes on her husband, minding her p’s and q’s and not stepping out of line. Later, she joins the plotters and finds a more feisty footing. We’ve seen Cassie in Teddy Bear’s Picnic and at several Story Craft Theatre parties, and she always manages to engage an audience, whether young or old.

Oh and the frocks! There are plenty of fabulous dresses that any panto dame would covet. Speaking of dames, we loved Robin Simpson’s Manky Hardup in Cinderella last year, and so it was refreshing to see him here in such a different role. He plays Robert Catesby with excellent comic timing, and has the experience not to falter when a few things go wrong in this early showing. As Catesby’s stress levels builds, so too do the funnies!

Jamie Zubairi’s Kit adds some flamboyant fun, and Greg Haiste’s Thomas Percy reminded us of a young Rik Mayall. His downfall from almost-hero to firewood collector is a joy to see, and he wrings out every moment of jealousy.

Andrew Pollard as Thomas Winter completes the cast, and his intriguing tale of theatrical woe builds nicely. His surprise appearance in the second act is un-bear-ably good!

Slow Burner

We’ve seen many historical comedies, with two of our favourites in recent years being Le Navet Bete’s The Three Musketeers and Dracula, The Bloody Truth.

For us, the first act in particular didn’t quite reach the billing of ‘explosive comedy’. Yes there were some laughs, but they seemed few and far between amidst a lot of (gunpowder) plot. That’s not to say it wasn’t interesting or well done though, and there were still plenty of sparks flying amongst the talented cast.

Barrel of Laughs?

Act two is slicker, and offers more ‘bang’ for your comedy buck. There are some delightfully silly moments, misunderstandings and witty to and fros, as the plotters install the barrels under parliament. It feels like the second act really lets the characters off the leash and they start to have the most fun with both the dialogue and the action.

The special effects ramp up as the show goes on too, from explosions and fire to a rogue fuse. Swordfight sequences add to the action, and are suitably exciting and well choreographed by fight director Kev McCurdy.

Plotting the Stage

Special mention must go to Carla Goodman’s work as set and costume designer. As an audience, it was easy to be transported back to 1604, with such authentically detailed staging. Whether the draughty tavern (the Duck and Drake), Catesby’s scullery or the gloomy cellar beneath parliament, the design is outstanding throughout.

Costumes stand out, and help each member of the gang really identify as individual characters. Think upper class fashion with rich bold fabrics, gems, jewels, feathers and all of the pomp and finery. Guy has that classic look you’d expect too, complete with iconic hat.

All Fired Up?

I had considered taking my eldest son (aged nine) but, even though Horrible Histories was mentioned in promotional material, I don’t think he would’ve found it pacey or engaging enough. The recommended age is 12+ as there is also some strong language. Language aside, I wouldn’t say this is a family-show, but nor is it pitched as one.

Likening the show to Blackadder and The Princess Bride led to high expectations. It’s a bold claim to reference such iconic comedies – and we didn’t feel Guy Fawkes quite reached these heady heights. However, if you’re a history buff with a penchant for parliamentary plotting, or looking for a light-hearted take on the Guy Fawkes story, you’ll most likely have…a blast!

With tickets from £15, you won’t need money to burn either!

MAGIC RATING