WISH-LIST WEDNESDAY: 1536
PREMIERED: 2025 (Almeida Theatre, London)
PLAYWRIGHT: Ava Pickett
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Anyone who pays attention to what's going on on the London stage will know that when this recent Olivier-nominated play ran in the west end, finding a ticket was nigh on impossible, as it became one of the hottest tickets in town during its limited runs at both the Almeida Theatre and at the Ambassador's Theatre. Operating under the tagline "kings don't kill their wives, right?" This is a direct reference to the public execution of Queen Anne Boleyn, second wife of Henry VIII, as we follow a group of three women who share gossip about the fallen queen's trial and subsequent execution, opening up discussions surrounding domestic violence, misogyny and power dynamics in the home.
In spite of the focus largely falling on the ill-fated royal, the action all takes place far away from the capital, in a remote field in Essex. Our three primary protagonists are outspoken, quick-witted Anna, young, naïve introvert Jane, and grounded, sagacious Mariella, forming a tight knit trio of friends. The action begins with an exchange of rumours following Boleyn's trial, and proceeds to explore the idea how of the cruel, misogynistic rule of King Henry has exacerbated women's lives by means of legitimisation of more violent, inhumane attitudes towards them from men.
Written by up and coming playwright and screenwriter Ava Pickett, "1536" earned her an Olivier nomination for best new play, with a nod also reserved for the play's director Lyndsey Turner. It originally ran at the Almeida Theatre for 5 weeks in May 2025, later transferring to the west end and running for a further 3 months, and selling out this entire engagement. With such a gargantuan commercial and critical success, in spite of its modest performance during awards season, this is a play that would easily sustain a subsidiary run, and if rumours are to be believed, this is very much a possibility...
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Did you see "1536" during either of its runs? What did you think of it? Let me know below, or via my Instagram page.
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