Always on
This project successfully funded on 18th October 2025, you can still support them with a donation.
This project successfully funded on 18th October 2025, you can still support them with a donation.
Support Phil and Nina to make their show happen at Soho Theatre
ABOUT THE SHOW
We are delighted to announce that English Kings Killing Foreigners is transferring to Soho Theatre for a five week run in the Autumn. Inspired by our (Nina and Phil’s) real-life experience of starring in several productions of Henry V including at Shakespeare's Globe in 2019 where we first met. We bring our extensive backgrounds in British theatre and of performing Shakespeare, to this ‘silly show about serious things’.
This playful and inventive piece of theatre skilfully combines a refreshing exploration of English culture with a frank and bold criticism of the institution of Shakespearean theatre in the UK - examining its ongoing role in the crafting of British national identity and its enduring power on the British stage.
At its heart, this is a workplace comedy with a fresh perspective. In the play, we meet Nina and Philip; two actors cast in a highly anticipated production of Henry V. These two ‘outsiders’ bond over their scepticism of the Shakespearean institution and its role in the national identity and narrative of England.
HOW WE GOT HERE
The show was commissioned by Camden People's Theatre and received a critically acclaimed first run there in 2024. It was nominated for an OFFIES Award and received the glowing reviews you see below. The play text published by Bloomsbury was included into their LIT IN COLOUR series of plays by Global Majority playwrights to be taught in secondary schools. We couldn't be happier with the reception we had and the conversations it sparked.
PRAISE FOR THE SHOW
“Astutely silly” ★★★★★ - The Reviews Hub
"It’s an overwhelmingly entertaining and raucous show ... Bowers and Arditti have created a truly memorable piece of theatre." ★★★★★ - Mind the Blog
"A Shakespeare deconstruction destined for the West End... the potential to become era-defining, identity-conscious theatre." - CITY AM
"This invigorating, passionate, sharp, funny and paradoxically joyful, show demonstrates in itself the power of theatre to challenge and energise an audience." ★★★★ The Peg
"An energetic, humorous play about acting, Englishness and race, performed with charm and wit ... resulting in a hugely entertaining show that makes you laugh as much as it makes you think." ★★★★ - Everything Theatre
"English Kings Killing Foreigners is a rare gem, with slick production and raucous laughter spilling onto stage…intelligent writing, honest humanity and raw entertainment make this a must-see production"★★★★ - The Upcoming
"It should have an unlimited run; for its ingenuity is second to none and it is the best of what theatre should be." - Theatre Travels
WHY WE NEED YOUR HELP
Putting on a show in the current arts funding climate is extremely difficult and this transfer is set to happen HOWEVER on very very very limited budget. We need your help to pay all our arts workers adequately for the work they do. We have made drastic decisions, led by aesthetic, but also sustainability and financial necessity to cut down on our set and costume expenses. We are focusing all our funding on fees and audience development, marketing and press. Your help wil directy contribute to our team's fees.
Funding method
Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made