King Henry the Eighth

King Henry the Eighth is a historical play written by William Shakespeare likely in collaboration with John Fletcher. It was first performed in 1613 and is based on the life of King Henry VIII of England who ruled from 1509 to 1547. The play covers the events leading up to Henrys divorce from his first wife Catherine of Aragon and his subsequent marriage to Anne Boleyn. It also includes the birth of Elizabeth I the daughter of Henry and Anne. The play is known for its grandeur and spectacle with lavish costumes music and dances. It also includes a number of memorable characters including Cardinal Wolsey who falls from grace after failing to secure Henrys divorce and Thomas Cromwell who rises to power and becomes a key advisor to the king. The play has been criticized for its historical inaccuracies and its portrayal of Henry as a benevolent ruler rather than the tyrant he is often seen as in modern times. However it remains a popular play and has been adapted into numerous film television and stage productions. One of the most famous lines from the play is spoken by the character of the Duke of Norfolk who says: All is lost! / Theres little chance for us theyre gone and we / Are in great danger.