Al Murray, Mel Giedroyc, Joe Thomas and Neil Morrissey in The Crown Jewels

Al Murray, Mel Giedroyc, Joe Thomas and Neil Morrissey are to star in a new stage comedy about ‘the most unbelievable royal caper in British history’.

The Crown Jewels is based on the real story of Colonel Thomas Blood, who in 1671 attempted to steal those very items from   the Tower of London, by dressing as a parson. He was subsequently captured, but pardoned.

He said: ‘I hope audiences will be as titillated and thrilled as I am at the prospect of a riotous comedy-drama about a crown jewels heist that really happened.

‘True crime comes to the West End, 350 years after the event. The cast is an amazing array of comedy talent, and the subject matter absurdly topical. Satire, sword-fighting, love, violence, an examination of the monarchy and Anglo-Irish relations - could you ask for anything more?’

It is directed by multi-award winner Sean Foley, who also directs the stage version of Spitting Image, which will be running in the West End at the same time as The Crown Jewels. Foley also co-wrote the puppet satire with Murray and fellow comic Matt Forde.

Producer Simon Friend added: ‘The Crown Jewels came out of a mad idea that Simon Nye and I cooked up during lockdown, fantasising about shows we could make if theatres were to ever reopen.

‘We’re incredibly lucky that such a talented cast, with Sean as director, have gathered around for this hilarious play about a famous heist that went awry, and we look forward to bringing some laughter to the West End this summer.’

The show also features West End  star and vlogger Carrie Hope Fletcher, who recently played the title role in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s  Cinderella; Irish actor Aidan McArdle is one of Ireland’s best-loved actors, with a long TV career including Jane Eyre, Mr Selfridge and Ridley; and Tanvi Virmani, who recently made her her West End debut as Rani in Life of Pi.

The Crown Jewels will run at the Garrick Theatre from Friday July 7  until  Saturday September 23, before going on tour toSalford, Canterbury and Cardiff through the autumn.

Published: 31 Mar 2023