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Ava Pickett’s ‘1536’ Debuts to Acclaim at the Almeida Theatre

The play reimagines Anne Boleyn’s downfall through the lens of three Essex women, blending Gen Z vernacular with Tudor-era gender politics.

Despite solid performances from Tanya Reynolds, Siena Kelly and Liv Hill, 1536 is a real dud
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Overview

  • ‘1536,’ Ava Pickett’s debut play, premiered at the Almeida Theatre and runs through June 7, 2025.
  • Set in an Essex marsh in 1536, the story follows three village women reacting to Queen Anne Boleyn’s arrest, showcasing their struggles within a patriarchal society.
  • The production, directed by Lyndsey Turner, features standout performances by Siena Kelly, Tanya Reynolds, and Liv Hill.
  • Critics have praised the play’s inventive use of Gen Z language and its exploration of themes like patriarchy, female friendship, and the demonization of female sexuality, though some noted uneven dramatic pacing.
  • The play, which won the Susan Smith Blackburn Prize, exemplifies a trend of feminist historical reappraisals connecting past and present debates on female agency.