Rick Wakeman & The English Rock Ensemble
London Hampton Court Palace
2nd May, 2009

View: centre-left seats

After 35-plus years of waiting, and commemorating the 500th anniversary of Henry VIII’s accesion to the throne, the sometime Yes keyboard wizard wheeled out his classic The Sixth Wives Of Henry VIII at the only venue to match its pomp and circumstance, Hampton Court Palace. With a stage out of Journey To The Centre Of The Earth, circa 1975, we journeyed to the heart of the Tudor court for a superb rendition of the extended album, running to over two hours, and following an acoustic set by Rick’s pre-Yes band, The Strawbs (in trio mode, with Oliver Wakeman on keys), plus a sumptuous hog roast! Backed by the English Chamber Choir and Europa Orchestra, Rick took to the stage in the first of many caped garbs, flanked by his quintet of able musicians, including son Adam on keys, and Ray Cooper on percussion. Under a fading rainbow, a fanfare of trumpets led to the new Overture, before Brian Blessed entered for one of many hilarious narratives, many off-script. The album followed in non-sequential order, from Katherine Of Aragon to Anne Boleyn, with highlights including the spectacular lighting of the former, with projections on the palace, and Catherine Howard played to a heraldic rose backdrop. Jane Seymour saw Rick on the organ, while he donned a new cape for the reinstated Henry VIII, followed by Catherine Parr, a rocked-up Anne Of Cleves, and the piano majesty of Anne Boleyn. Tudor Rock reprised the themes for a rousing finale, bringing the curtain down on a stunning venture.

Reviewed by Tim Jones
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