ST. LOUIS — “All hail, wassail!” King Henry VIII is coming to dinner, and you’re invited to join the fun at the Royal Dumpe Dinner Theater at Laclede’s Landing in St. Louis.

“People are fascinated with Henry VIII, his wives and his beheadings,” said Pola Vavra, general director of the dinner theater. “He is a juicy character.”

Upon entering the Second Street restaurant, guests immediately feel the “change of the century” as a friar straight out of the 16th century — dressed in a brown cloak and leaning on a walking stick topped with a small animal skull — directs their way to the dining area and stage.

The atmosphere is set in 16th century England and features ornate chandeliers, tapestries, paintings and swords that offer the feel of a medieval castle. There’s also the king’s throne, which is carved with heavy, dark oak, filled with fine, woven silk fabrics and extravagant jewels.

The throne sits center stage for all patrons, wenches and squires to see. But don’t dare to challenge the king’s authority by sitting in it. Tradition holds that anyone who does is sent to the stocks and can be rescued only by a virgin’s kiss. At the Royal Dumpe, though, they do it a bit differently.

“All of the women in the audience had to kiss his cheek to set him free,” said Linda Weiss, a member of the audience from Crystal City.

All the restaurant’s staff are in period dress: corsets, petticoats and ruffles galore. Their characters even act their parts, right down to the British accents. When one patron orders water to drink, a “wench,” or waitress, responds in character.

“A watah?” she asks. “One watah comin’ up, dahling.”

The wenches mostly entertain the audience with their skin-baring costumes and their lustful admiration of the king. All of them harbor a secret wish to become queen No. 9. With waitress names such as “Anita Mantohugnkiss” and “Selma Cookies,” the dinner theater might not be appropriate for young members of the family.

“I wanted to be Henry VIII’s next queen,” said Kim Abell, 21, of St. Charles. “I would keep my head, but my husband would not be thrilled with me running off with a king.”

Between courses there is always room for a lively song and dance from the staff. The musical numbers describe the difficult lives of the lowly peasants or the lavish existence of the wealthy rich.

Vavra said the format and characters of the show remain the same even as the actors change.

“The script changes a little bit because of improvisation,” Vavra said.

The actors are a sort of repertory company in which all members rotate through the various roles. There are three men who play the king, for instance. Rehearsals are just an hour long before each show on Friday and Saturday night, Vavra said.

The meal for the evening, which is included in the price of the ticket, is pretty consistent. There are four courses: an appetizer, soup, an entree featuring poultry and steamed vegetables, then dessert such as cheesecake.

The Dumpe is in its third decade of satirical comedy. It is one of few theaters of its kind in the country.

“The Royal Dumpe in downtown St. Louis was, quite frankly, one of the greatest nights I’ve had in a long time,” said Albert Blom, 21, from Groningen, Netherlands. “Whether it was ogling wenches in an alcohol-induced half-stupor or watching the jester’s all-too-banal humor, the trip is easily worth the subsequent hangover.”

For more information on the Royal Dumpe, go to royaldumpe.com, or call Pola Vavra at 314-621-5800.