The hit Almeida Theatre production of 1536 has confirmed its full West End cast ahead of its run at the Ambassadors Theatre from 02 May 2026.
Ava Pickett, who this week won both the Critics’ Circle Theatre Award and The Standard Theatre Award for Most Promising Young Playwright, brings her debut play to the West End following a critically acclaimed premiere. The transfer is presented by the Almeida Theatre, Sonia Friedman Productions, Annapurna Theatre and LuckyChap.
Returning to their original roles are Liv Hill as Jane, Siena Kelly as Anna and Tanya Reynolds as Mariella. Joining them are Oliver Johnstone as Richard and George Kemp as William.
The production’s understudies include Harry Bradley for Richard and William, Saroja-Lily Ratnavel for Jane and Mariella, and Sydney Spencer for Anna.
Described as “electrifying” by The Standard and praised for its sharp humour and bold originality, 1536 will run from 02 May to 01 August 2026, with press night on 12 May. The play has also received nominations at the 2026 Olivier Awards for Best New Play and Best Director for Lyndsey Turner.
Pickett’s debut has already garnered major accolades, including the 2024 Susan Smith Blackburn Prize, a special commendation for the 2023 George Devine Award and the Stage Debut Award for Best Writer in 2025. The BBC is now developing the play into an eight-part TV drama.
Directed by Lyndsey Turner, the production delves into themes of female friendship, power and survival in Tudor England. As rumours surrounding the marriage of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn escalate, three women in rural Essex find their lives eerily mirroring the unrest at court, with dangerous consequences.
The creative team includes set and costume designer Max Jones, lighting designer Jack Knowles, sound designer Tingying Dong, composer and arranger Will Stuart, intimacy director and choreographer Anna Morrissey, casting director Amy Ball, fight director Sam Lyon-Behan and dialect coach Edda Sharpe.
1536 is produced in the West End by the Almeida Theatre, Sonia Friedman Productions, Annapurna Theatre and LuckyChap.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
