Review! The Anastasia File at Theatre Royal Windsor, September 2026

The Anastasia Files is a powerful piece of theatre. Loosely based on a true story, It tells us a story of a young lady who has been saved from committing suicide in a canal and enters an asylum in Berlin. After a period of time, she claims to be Anastasia, daughter of the Tzar of Russia who was presumed massacred alongside the rest of her family in 1917. There were always rumours that one of the daughters may have survived and been smuggled out, but is all as it seems? 

The cast is very small with stellar performances from Jenny Seagrove as Mrs Manahan (with an impeccable Russian accent throughout) who claims to be Anastasia, and Simon Shepherd as the Inspector. Rosie Thompson and Ashley D Gayle perform the remainder of the roles, moving the storytelling along with aplomb. 

It is certainly an intriguing piece of theatre. At the time it was written there was no definitive proof of whether Anastasia had in fact survived the Bolshevik massacre. The writing doesn’t shy away from the horrific details of the story and the slaying of the Russian Royal family and the young lady who claims to be Anastasia has confirmed stab wounds and identical dentistry to the allegedly slain Anastasia. She is fluent in German, Russian and English and is clearly well bred. However, the family of “Anastasia” claim not to recognise her beyond a passing resemblance. But how much of that is to do with the money that is allegedly in the bank and how much to do with the young lady herself? The dichotomy of a young lady who can talk about her life and experiences in Russia and appears to know all there is to know about her family, and a wider family who refused to claim her.

It’s fascinating to see how the staff at the asylum and the Inspector change their views as time goes on, subtly finding more and more truth in this poor young lady. However, she is presented throughout in a hospital gown and bare feet so how much of this story is a fiction from her imagination and how much is the truth? 

The play doesn’t pretend to answer the question for you which is more interesting than a definitive ending, it allows the audience to decide for themselves whether they believe her story or not. (Sadly there is now is a definitive answer from DNA evidence, but when written this was still to be found) 

It’s powerfully told on a small and stark set. It is a very dialogue heavy piece, where not much really happens. It could feel rather slow at times, but overall, the pacing worked. There are some really interesting moments for example the dichotomy between bird song and sunlight playing on the walls, and the young lady talking about the slaughter of her family and the feelings of fear and terror. It’s quite jarring but it’s so powerful.

If you’re looking for a fun and light-hearted night out this isn’t it. But if you want your entertainment thought provoking, beautifully acted and presented in a way that makes you think about the dark history surrounding the Russian Revolution, then I would definitely recommend.

One final note, the Theatre Royal Windsor is a delightful venue with lovely staff and exceptional ice cream! Thank you for the hospitality. 

⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Anastasia File | Theatre Royal Windsor Season on Tour – Bill Kenwright Limited 

Reviewed by Sam Silsby.