Anne Boleyn: The Musical
- qright
- Aug 9
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 12
On 8th August, we were invited to witness the world premiere of Anne Boleyn The Musical at the historic Hever Castle – the very place Anne herself once called home. This brand-new production transports its audience to the heart of the 16th Century, telling Anne’s story not just as a Queen, but as a woman whose ambitions, choices, and relationships helped alter the course of English history.
The Belgian production company Historalia, renowned for staging “pop-up” musicals in heritage locations, have brought their signature style to the UK. Written by author and co-lyricist Rebecca Night, the book wastes no time in diving into Anne’s backstory, setting a brisk and purposeful pace. The score, composed by Sam Gevers with lyrics by Night and Sam Kenyon, offers moments of beauty, with a few standout numbers that linger long after the final note.
Under Roxana Silbert’s direction and Alistair David’s choreography, the large cast – including a sizeable community ensemble – make full use of the expansive stage. Movements and tableaux feel grounded in the period while remaining dynamic and visually engaging. The sheer scale of the open-air venue (seating for 1,800 beneath a covered grandstand) makes the production feel epic before the first scene begins. As the audience takes their seats, the view of Hever Castle bathed in evening light is breathtaking, setting the mood for an immersive historical experience.
Emily Lane commands the stage as Anne Boleyn, walking down from the castle itself along the garden path in a striking opening moment. Her portrayal is strong, intelligent, and emotionally complex. She pairs well with Mark Goldthorp’s Henry VIII, with the two sharing both fiery confrontations and unexpectedly tender moments that humanise the infamous monarch. Goldthorp also makes one of the evening’s most visually arresting entrances – riding on a real horse through the castle grounds and up to the stage. It’s a grand, cinematic touch that instantly draws gasps from the audience and heightens the sense of historical authenticity.
The wider cast, particularly the community performers, add vibrancy and heart. Special mention must go to the young actors portraying a youthful Anne and her brother George – performances that will no doubt stay with them forever.
Robert Innes-Hopkins’ set design is refreshingly minimal, with two versatile staircases that shift to create various locations without ever detracting from the real star of the scenery: the castle itself. His costume design remains faithful to the Tudor period, adding authenticity to the piece. Michel Jacobs’ lighting design truly comes into its own in Act II, as the sun sets and the castle is uplit, blending with the fading natural light to create moments of pure stage magic – though I feel some musical numbers could have benefited from more dynamic lighting choices.
Sound design by The Ringham Brothers is where this production breaks new ground. In a theatrical first, audience members wear wireless headphones to hear the show’s binaural sound mix, combining Gevers’ pre-recorded score with the cast’s live vocals. The result is a deeply immersive, three-dimensional soundscape. However, the proximity to nearby airports means that the occasional overhead plane is amplified by the blue glowing headphones which momentarily breaks the spell. While this is, of course unavoidable, and dependent on the day, it’s a small reminder of the modern world that occasionally slips into the Tudor setting.
Anne Boleyn The Musical is a unique and memorable theatrical event – part history lesson, part spectacle, and wholly rooted in its location. This is more than just a show; it’s an experience. Running until 30th August 2025, it’s well worth planning a day around. Explore Hever Castle in the afternoon, then settle in for an evening performance. With the estate opening at 18:00, this gives you time to enjoy a drink or light meal in the tented refreshment area behind the auditorium. While prices lean towards the higher side, it’s a pleasant spot to relax before being swept into the drama of Anne’s world.
This is the first time seeing one of Historalia’s productions, but if Anne Boleyn The Musical is anything to go by, their future productions will be well worth watching out for.
