The upcoming tv adaptation of Ava Pickett’s 1536, with a director and new producing partner announced this week. The play enjoyed a sold-out run in the West End that closed earlier this month, following an equally acclaimed run at the Almeida.
There’s a new update for the screen adaptation of Ava Pickett’s debut play 1536. According to Variety.com, the adaptation now has the backing of HBO and has also named a director. Originally optioned by the BBC, the six-episode series will now be co-produced by HBO and the BBC.
Pickett will serve as showrunner, writer and exec producer on the show. The director, it has been announced, will be Molly Manners, who recently took charge of several episodes of Netflix’s hit series One Day.
On the news, Picket said that ‘to be collaborating with the brilliantly talented Molly Manners is a dream come true. I can’t wait to bring this story about power, patriarchy and friendship to a new audience.’
She also said that she was thrilled to see HBO, the BBC and Drama Republic ‘champion this story so fiercely.’
No word yet on when we can expect to see the series on our screens, but we expect some news so stay tuned.
Pickett’s sterling debut play
The playwright has seen a stellar reception to her debut play with 1536. The West End production received rave reviews, with critics calling her writing ‘funny and devastating.’
Set in Tudor England, it follows three friends with a penchant for gossip, who hear a shocking rumour: there’s a clash between King Henry VIII and his Queen, Anne Boleyn. Over the course of the play, these three women begin to see dangerous echoes of the drama in their own lives, exploring themes of female friendship and systemic violence.
Pickett has also announced her follow-up, a new play about Helen of Troy, coming to Stratford East later this year. Bloodsport: After Helen of Troy will see the playwright tackle another female friendship, looking at the woman who’s face launched a thousand ships through the friend she left behind. Downton Abbey star Michelle Dockery stars as Helen alongside Laura Aikman (Gavin & Stacey, Line of Duty) as Cee.
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