Following a critically acclaimed debut, Realfake Theatre's sharp, dark comedy, "English Kings Killing Foreigners," is set to transfer to the Soho Theatre for a five-week run this autumn, from September 16 to October 18, 2025. This "astutely silly" and "raucous" production, in association with Soho Theatre, promises a witty and incisive exploration of English cultural identity and Shakespeare's enduring, often controversial, role within it.
Devised, written, and starring the talented multidisciplinary performers Nina Bowers and Philip Arditti, the play delves into what Shakespeare means, and to whom, in contemporary 2025. Inspired by Bowers' and Arditti's real-life experiences starring in multiple Henry V productions, including at Shakespeare's Globe, "English Kings Killing Foreigners" is described as a "silly show about serious things."
The production tackles timely issues surrounding nationalism and intersecting identities, particularly the casting of Global Majority actors in Shakespearean roles. It directly addresses the "personal cost" to artists navigating a "post-woke cultural landscape" where debates over "colour-conscious casting" and modern adaptations frequently spark online backlash, as seen with the racial abuse faced by Francesca Amewudah-Rivers after playing Juliet.
At its core, the play presents a workplace comedy, following Nina and Philip as two "outsider" actors cast in a highly anticipated Henry V. Their initial bond over shared skepticism toward the Shakespearean institution shifts dramatically when Nina is unexpectedly thrust into the title role. Audiences will witness the duo rehearse and perform scenes from Henry V while being pushed to personal and professional extremes, mirroring the historical brutality on Agincourt's battlefield with the micro-aggressions of the rehearsal room. This "invigorating, passionate, sharp, funny and paradoxically joyful" show is poised to be a must-see for those seeking theatre that challenges, entertains, and provokes thought.
