Globe Education Online

Directed by John Dove

Hunting through an old chest, the newly crowned James I discovers the controversial legacy of Anne Boleyn, Henry VIII’s notorious second wife. Time jumps back 70 years, when the witty and flirtatious Anne was in love with Henry, but also with the most dangerous ideas of her day. Conspiring with the exiled William Tyndale, she plots to make England Protestant – forever.

A celebration of a great English heroine, Anne Boleyn leaps between generations to reveal the debt the outrageous but scholarly James owed to Anne when he shrewdly reconciled England’s religious factions by creating his common, ‘authorized’ Bible.

Anne Boleyn returns to the Globe after a sell-out run in 2010. Award-winning playwright Howard Brenton’s previous work includes In Extremis at Shakespeare’s Globe.

Creative Team

Written by - Howard Brenton
Director - John Dove
Designer - Michael Taylor
Composer - William Lyons

Cast

Michael Bertenshaw: Robert Cecil
Sam Cox: Dean Lancelot Andrewes
Naomi Cranston: Lady Jane/Countrywoman 2
John Cummins: Simpkin/Parrot/Divine
Ben Deery: George Villiers/Countryman 1/Singer
Mary Doherty: Lady Celia/Countrywoman 1/Divine
Julius D'Silva: Thomas Cromwell/Divine
Sophie Duval: Lady Rochford/Divine
Will Featherstone: Sloop/Divine/Singer
James Garnon: King James I
Peter Hamilton Dyer: William Tyndale/Divine
Anthony Howell: King Henry VIII
Colin Hurley: Cardinal Wolsey/Henry Barrow
Miranda Raison: Anne Boleyn
Dickon Tyrrell: Dr. John Reynolds

Discover the Play

**** ‘The Tudor pack at their most snarling, scheming, ribald, pleasure-seeking and gaily entertaining.’ Daily Telegraph

**** ‘Challenges received wisdom and bulges with theatrical vitality.’ The Guardian

**** ‘Howard Brenton's lively new drama illuminates the Globe in John Dove’s exuberant production.’ Time Out

**** ‘John Dove’s elegant production with period chamber music is rich, invigorating, historical drama.’ Daily Mail

**** 'Absorbing.' Independent on Sunday

**** 'Engaging.' The Times

**** 'Compelling.' Financial Times