𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐈𝐄𝐖 - 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐞 𝐁𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐲𝐧 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥  

𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐈𝐄𝐖!

𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐞 𝐁𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐲𝐧 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥

'𝘕𝘰𝘣𝘰𝘥𝘺 𝘥𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘴 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘈𝘯𝘯𝘦'

From the moment this musical was announced, I knew I had to see it. Tudor history and musical theatre is a perfect combination for me—but would this show be as rich and detailed as a Holbein portrait?

The setting alone is a show-stealer: Hever Castle in Kent, famously Anne Boleyn’s childhood home. The castle and its grounds provide a stunning and atmospheric backdrop. I later learned that actual interiors were used in the staging, adding even more authenticity to the experience. What I additionally admired was that this set wasn't simply limited to the stage but that the grounds were used to create an immensely vast space.

As Anne Boleyn, Emily Lane delivers a captivating performance—graceful, intelligent, and heartfelt. Her vocals are excellent, and she brings a more sympathetic portrayal of Anne than history often allows. The story is very much told from Anne’s perspective, a welcome change from the usual narrative.

Mark Goldthorpe plays Henry VIII with charm and menace, capturing the King’s early charisma and later frustration as the story darkens in Act II.

Of course, telling the story of Anne Boleyn’s dramatic life in a single musical is ambitious. While some musical numbers stood out—especially Lane’s emotional ballad You, sung to Princess Elizabeth—there were moments where I wished for more nuance and detail. In some ways, it might have worked equally well as a play.

Still, minor flaws aside, there’s something magical about watching this story unfold in a place so deeply tied to its heroine. As a summer theatrical experience, this production is immersive, moving, and has plenty of potential to grow.

⭐⭐⭐