The Six Mothers-in-Law of Henry VIII

A BBC Radio 4 Comedy

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Jonathan Coy stars as the much-married King in this unreliable Tudor history

'A brilliant concept... does exactly what it says on the tin' The Times

From his tiny room at Hampton Court, the royal chronicler records the comings and goings of the King of England, his six Queens - and his six mothers-in-law. Introducing us to these redoubtable ladies, he relates the surprising part they played in the destiny of Henry VIII and his unfortunate wives.

We meet Catherine of Aragon's duenna, Dona Elvira, whose introduction of paella, flamenco and bullfighting to his home leads Henry to seek his pleasures elsewhere; Lady Boleyn, whose gentleman admirer threatens danger for her daughter Anne; and Lady Margaret, whose attempt to overturn hundreds of years of tradition leads to a dramatic confrontation. There's also meddling matriarch Mrs Loew, whose devious dealmaking costs Henry dear; good-time grandmother Duchess Agnes, who encourages Catherine Howard to play the field - and neglect her husband; and Catherine Parr's mother, whose impact on the King's court will be life-changing for Henry - and for his Chancellor, Thomas Cromwell...

Created by Barry Grossman (The Attractive Young Rabbi), this tongue-in-cheek historical spoof stars Jonathan Coy as King Henry VIII, with a star cast including Carla Mendonça, Lydia Leonard, Jasmine Hyde, Marcia Warren and Geoffrey McGivern.

Production credits

Created and written by Barry Grossman

Episode 3 written by Jim Eldridge and Episode 4 by Rene Basilico

Produced by John Fawcett Wilson

Music composed by Jim Parker

Cast

Henry VIII - Jonathan Coy

Thomas Cromwell - Milton Johns

Chronicler - Alfred Burke

Catherine of Aragon - Carla Mendonça

Dona Elvira - Sheila Steafel

Wolsey - John Rowe