Monarchs Anonymous

If you are looking for something a bit different during this year's Brighton Fringe, there is a production called Monarchs Anonymous coming to the Rotunda Theatre (Bubble) in Regency Square. It is a historical comedy that imagines what would happen if some of history's most infamous monarchs ended up in a group therapy session together. The show is produced by Ceridwen Theatre Company Ltd and runs from May 3rd to May 6th, 2026.

The premise focuses on figures like Henry VIII, Marie Antoinette, Mansa Musa, and Tutankhamun, all trying to manage their egos and personal issues under the guidance of a therapist named Dr. Thompson. The character of Dr. Thompson is played by Kat Marchant, who some might recognise from her YouTube channel, 'Reading the Past'. The plot revolves around the chaos that ensues when their private secrets are leaked to the press. It seems to be aimed at adults or younger audiences who enjoy a mix of history and comedy, with some early feedback describing it as a bit like a history lesson featuring your favourite comedians.

The cast for the Brighton run includes Helena Devereux as Marie Antoinette, George Eggay as Mansa Musa, William Harry Mitchell as Henry VIII, Joshua Poole as Charles II, and Rachael Reshma as Sophia Duleep Singh. If you are planning to go, tickets are priced at £15 for standard entry and £12 for concessions. After the Brighton dates, the production is scheduled to move to The Other Palace Studio in London this June. It is a straightforward setup for anyone interested in seeing how these historical figures interact in a modern, fictionalised therapy setting.