Go behind the scenes of rehearsals for the West End transfer of Ava Pickett’s acclaimed debut play 1536 with these new rehearsal photos.
Following a sold-out run last year at the Almeida Theatre, 1536 is transferring to the West End’s Ambassadors Theatre for a limited season from 2 May to 1 August 2026.
View live availability for 1536 tickets in London here.
1536 Rehearsal Photos
Photos by Helen Murray
Meet the cast
The cast of 1536 stars Liv Hill (Jane), Siena Kelly (Anna) and Tanya Reynolds (Mariella) – all of who reprise their original roles from the Almeida production.
Joining them 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).
Award-winning drama
1536 comes to the West End following Ava Pickett’s wins at the Critics’ Circle Theatre Awards and the Standard Theatre Awards, picking up Most Promising Playwright. The play was also nominated for a 2026 Olivier Award.
Previously, the play won the 2024 Susan Smith Blackburn Prize and Ava Pickett won 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.
Directed by Lyndsey Turner, the creative team also includes set and costume design by Max Jones, lighting by Jack Knowles, and sound by Tingying Dong.
More about 1536
Set in Tudor England, the play follows three women in rural Essex who gather to discuss rumours 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 in the West End by the Almeida Theatre, Sonia Friedman Productions, Annapurna Theatre, and Margot Robbie’s production company LuckyChap.
Book tickets to 1536 at the Ambassadors Theatre in London
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+
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