Heading out to The West End on a Tuesday evening feels like an activity from a time gone by with everything that has happened (or not happened) over the last year and a half, however, despite the world being in a seemingly perpetual state of uncertainty, proven time and again is that there is no better medicine for an existential crisis than a night of pure comic chaos and parody. Following the tradition of what British comedy does best by reminding London how to laugh at itself is the stage adaptation of the popular Channel 4 TV series The Windsors, in, The Windsors: Endgame. This farcical soap opera about the lives of the British royal family will be sure to cure any lockdown hangovers still present.
Playing at The Prince of Wales Theatre from August 10 to October 9, this show promises to be a night of silly fun and allows life to be a little less serious for a moment. Whether or not you are a devout royalist and especially for any fan’s of the television series, Endgame is jam-packed with all the scandal and drama that keeps the royal family in power, and will make you laugh at jokes you really think you shouldn't!

Comedy legend Harry Enfield as Charles is by far one of the drawcards for this production. With a reimagining of his portrayal of the man who may never become king, for a live audience, he does not disappoint. There are plenty of ‘in’ jokes carried on from the television series thrown into his performance but at the same time, they do not exclude new audiences. Oberman as Charles’s counterpart Camilla embodies the Duchess as if she were a villain in a pantomime. At times this pushes the cringe factor a little over the edge, however, Oberman also offers one of the standout moments in the show with a powerhouse musical solo number that will have the late Princess Diana turning in her grave and is something you never knew you needed in your life.

The supporting characters to the real-life royal family and in this version too, drive the energy and many of the shows laughs. Runt of the royal’s Prince Edward played by Cottle is a perfect clown in his multi-role performance while Dann as the cast out Fergie finds a balance between pathos and simply being pathetic. With Prince Andrew being the most disapproved of royal in current times by far, Wallers has a juicy role to play with and most certainly enjoys it. Butterworth and Rainsford as Princess Eugenie and Beatrice, the well-intended duo famous for doing nothing are a delight whenever they enter the stage.
I have to give a nod to vocal coach Patricia Lougue for the pure joy each exaggerated vocal interpretation the cast bring to their characters, costumes by Hilary Lewis that touch on each royals aesthetic perfectly and the overall design that supports the high energy action without taking over.

Review by Stephanie Osztreicher
Rating: ★★★★
Seat: G34 | Price of Ticket: £16 -£110