Anne Boleyn

A landmark 250th production for Bristol’s Kelvin Players Theatre Company at Tobacco Factory Theatres.

Howard Brenton’s award-winning Anne Boleyn is a celebration of an iconic, controversial figure who changed the course of England’s history.

When James I discovers banned books hidden in an old chest belonging to Anne Boleyn, the life and legacy of Henry VIII’s notorious second wife unfolds – as a ghost story, told with exuberance, humour and wit.

This is no dry and dusty history lesson. Set in both Tudor times and 67 years after Anne’s death when James ascends to the English throne in 1603, Howard Brenton’s radical and highly entertaining version of events challenges existing myths.

The play was first staged in 2010, specially commissioned by Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, and won Best New Play from What’s On Stage in 2011. Brenton portrays Anne as a strong woman ahead of her time, confident of her sexuality and in love with Henry, but driven by her faith to reform religious beliefs.

Alongside the love story is the wider context of court intrigue and politics. Thomas Cromwell and Cardinal Wolsey position for power in Henry’s court; religious leaders vie for their views in the court of James I, where James himself is a study in eccentricity. Outrageous and comedic as well as poignant, dance and live music (from a score composed for the original London production) add colour and atmosphere to the play’s action.

Director Jacqs Graham says: “We are thrilled to be performing this wonderfully intelligent and fun play at Tobacco Factory Theatres. Anne Boleyn is a fascinating individual who has intrigued people for nearly 500 years already and continues to do so. I can’t wait for audiences to enjoy how we take Howard Brenton’s fresh insight for this generation and bring his characters to life.”

Established in 1929, North Bristol’s Kelvin Players is one of the oldest and most respected non-professional theatre companies in the south-west. From its studio base on Gloucester Road, over 100 company members from all ages and backgrounds present five shows a year. Anne Boleyn is the company’s 250th production.

“Set and costume designs would have happily graced any production recently seen in this theatrical space, and the director made excellent use of the in-the-round setting” Bristol Post on the Kelvin Players’ production of Tartuffe at Tobacco Factory Theatres

“Apart from Warren Mitchell in Death of a Salesman…I have never seen Miller performed better in professional theatre, let alone by an amateur company” Jeremy Brien, The Stage, on All My Sons 

Tue, July 10-Sat, July 14, 7.30pm plus Sat matinee 2pm.

For more info, visit https://www.tobaccofactorytheatres.com/shows/anne-boleyn/

Pic: Jonny Wilkinson