Review! 1536 at The Ambassadors Theatre, May 2026

“Funny, emotionally rich and deeply unsettling in all the right ways.” 

1536 was the year a king beheaded his wife. In 2026, Ava Pickett brings that brutal chapter of history vividly to life in 1536 — not by retelling the fall of Anne Boleyn, but by asking what other stories were unfolding in England at the same moment, however, are their parallels really so different?

Set in a field in Essex, three women gather to trade the latest royal rumours from London. Yet as the turmoil at court begins to reflect tensions within their own lives, Jane, Anna and Mariella are forced to confront whether normality is ever truly possible. What begins as court gossip slowly curdles into something far more devastating.

I went into this production knowing very little beyond its Tudor setting and intriguing title — enough on its own to appeal to the history enthusiast in me. Its sold-out run at the Almeida Theatre only heightened my curiosity further. I'm thrilled to say I wasn't disappointed.

I’ve recently realised how much I enjoy arriving at my seat with the set already on display, and this production was no exception. Max Jones’ set and costume design deserve particular praise: the sight — and even the scent — of hay immediately established the world of the play, while the otherwise minimal staging proved both purposeful and effective. The hay-covered stage doesn’t just build atmosphere — it transports you. Combined with Jack Knowles’ evocative lighting design, shifts in time of day and even changes in temperature were conveyed with remarkable clarity. Every design choice feels intentional, immersive and quietly haunting.

The story is vividly realised by Liv Hill, Siena Kelly and Tanya Reynolds, who reprise their Almeida Theatre roles as Jane, Anna and Mariella. Together, they create a believable portrait of three Tudor women bound by friendship while quietly carrying their own personal struggles. Hill’s Jane is portrayed with a touching innocence and thoughtful naivety, but as the play progresses, we begin to see her inner strength emerge and her determination ignite, an innocence that gradually hardens into resilience. Reynolds brings warmth and emotional depth to Mariella, grounding the trio as the dependable friend and voice of reason, even while coping with heartbreak of her own. Meanwhile, Kelly commands the stage as Anna, delivering a performance full of intensity and emotional complexity. Anna experiences a whirlwind of emotions throughout the play, masking her vulnerability behind unwavering confidence, and Kelly makes her journey utterly compelling to watch.

The two male roles are played by Oliver Johnstone as Richard and George Kemp as William, both offering recognisable portrayals of men these women must navigate. Richard is the charismatic yet dangerous lothario, driven by his own ambitions and darker impulses, while William presents himself as the dutiful gentleman, convinced he has chosen obligation over desire. As for where their stories lead, you’ll have to book a ticket to discover that for yourself.

Running at 1 hour and 50 minutes without an interval, some may question whether the production stretches too long without a break, but Ava Pickett’s writing ensures every moment earns its place. What initially presents itself as sharply comedic — filled with witty one-liners and contemporary-feeling language that never jars within the Tudor setting — gradually reveals something far more affecting. With each scene, the play deepens, and Pickett’s central message becomes unmistakable: these women are not distant historical figures confined to the past, but reflections of women we know today — our friends, colleagues and loved ones — still navigating conversations shaped by fear, misogyny and abuse. It is this unsettling familiarity that gives the play its emotional force, has life really changed for women in the last 490 years?

If there was a play I’d urge everyone to book for this summer, it would be this one. It made me laugh, broke my heart a little and completely drew me into the lives of these women. Even now, I keep thinking about it — which is always the sign of truly great theatre.

1536 is playing for a strictly limited season until 1st August 2026... I'm already hoping for more.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

1536 | New Play by Ava Pickett | Ambassadors Theatre 2026