Full casting has been announced for the West End transfer of Ava Pickett’s debut play, 1536. The production, which premiered at the Almeida Theatre last year, will run at the Ambassadors Theatre for a limited season from 2 May to 1 August 2026.
The announcement follows a significant week for the production, during which Ava Pickett won both the Critics’ Circle Theatre Award and the Standard Theatre Award for Most Promising Playwright.
New and returning cast
Joining the previously announced lead trio of Liv Hill (Jane), Siena Kelly (Anna), and Tanya Reynolds (Mariella) – who all reprise their original roles – are Oliver Johnstone (All My Sons) as Richard and George Kemp (Bridgerton) as William.
The company is completed by understudies Harry Bradley (Richard/William), Saroja-Lily Ratnavel (Jane/Mariella), and Sydney Spencer (Anna).
Full West End cast of 1536. Photo via production.
Award-winning development
Directed by Lyndsey Turner, 1536 arrives in the West End with significant critical momentum. In addition to Pickett’s recent wins, the play is nominated for Best New Play at the 2026 Olivier Awards, with Turner also nominated for Best Director.
The play previously won the 2024 Susan Smith Blackburn Prize and the 2025 Stage Debut Award for Best Writer. It was also recently confirmed that the BBC is developing the play into an eight-part television drama.
About 1536
Set in Tudor England, the play follows three women in rural Essex who gather to discuss rumors of the clash between King Henry VIII and Queen Anne Boleyn. As the royal scandal unfolds, the women begin to see dangerous echoes of the drama in their own lives, exploring themes of female friendship and systemic violence.
The production is presented by the Almeida Theatre, Sonia Friedman Productions, Annapurna Theatre, and LuckyChap. The creative team includes set and costume design by Max Jones, lighting by Jack Knowles, and sound by Tingying Dong.
Plan your trip to 1536
- Theatre: Ambassadors Theatre, West Street, London
- Booking dates: 2 May to 1 August 2026
- Running time: 1 hour 50 minutes (no interval)
- Age range: Recommended for ages 15+
- View live availability for 1536 tickets here >
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