Anne Boleyn The Musical Premieres at Hever Castle in Groundbreaking Open-Air Staging

World Premiere Production Tells Anne's Story Where It Began

A spectacular new musical exploring the life and legacy of one of England’s most iconic queens has made its world premiere at Hever Castle, the childhood home of Anne Boleyn. Anne Boleyn The Musical runs until 30 August 2025 in a specially built 1,800-seat open-air auditorium, with the castle itself forming part of the set.

The production is directed by Roxana Silbert, with book by Rebecca Night, lyrics by Night and Sam Kenyon, and music by Sam Gevers. Choreography is by Alistair David. A world-class creative team combines Tudor aesthetics with contemporary storytelling and cutting-edge sound technology.

Emily Lane Leads an All-Star Cast

The title role of Anne Boleyn is played by Emily Lane (Frozen, Hello, Dolly!). She is joined by:

• Mark Goldthorp as Henry VIII

• Dona Atallah as Mary/Elizabeth I/Messenger

• Noah Sinigaglia as Queen Katherine/Margaret

• Kim Ismay as Joan

• Joshua Oakes-Rogers as George Boleyn

• Matt Bond as Thomas Cromwell

• Clive Hayward as Thomas Boleyn

• Chomba S. Taulo as Matthew Parker

• Rebecca Luter and Jay Worley as swings

Younger versions of Anne and George are played by four child actors: Annabelle Jones, Betsy Godden, Arthur Moffat, and Dawson Richards.

A 35-strong community cast from Kent also joins the professional ensemble in singing, dancing, and acting throughout the show.

A Theatre Experience Like No Other

In a UK-first, the show uses binaural sound, with each audience member wearing a headset designed by the Ringham Brothers (Blindness, Anna). The result is a fully immersive 360° audio experience, giving each performance cinematic depth and intimacy.

The original score—recorded by the City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra—supports a bold reinterpretation of Anne’s journey from Hever to the European courts, and ultimately to the centre of Henry VIII’s world and the English Reformation.

Hever Castle, visible behind the stage, is used as part of the set, with cast members entering and exiting from the building itself.

A New Perspective on Anne Boleyn

The story follows Anne from her departure from Hever to the courts of Flanders and France, through her rise to prominence at the English court and her controversial marriage to Henry VIII. The production aims to reclaim Anne from centuries of one-dimensional portrayals.

“Rebecca has thrown new light on this brilliant, headstrong, charismatic woman who brought very radical and progressive ideas with her from Europe,” said director Roxana Silbert.

Hever Castle curator Owen Emmerson added:

“This remarkable work offers us a rare and enriching window into one of the murkiest aspects of Anne Boleyn’s story: her inner world.”