English
English
Until August 1, 2026
CLOSING DATE
AGE LIMIT
Suitable for 14+ yrs
from
£31.25
AboutVenueTickets
Why watch 1536?
- Ava Pickett’s Tudor drama follows three Essex women caught in 1536’s rising tensions, blending royal scandal with personal stakes in a sharp, modern West End transfer.
- Ava Pickett won the Susan Smith Blackburn Prize and Stage Debut Award for this play, directed by Lyndsey Turner, whose past work includes The Crucible at the National Theatre.
- Expect themes of loyalty, fear, and shifting power to be shaped through tight rural scenes, detailed design by Max Jones, and movement direction that heightens emotional tension.
- Following its acclaimed run at the Almeida Theatre, praised as “funny, saucy, gripping” (The Daily Mail), the play now arrives at the Ambassadors Theatre. Book your 1536 London tickets!
The 1536 play explores Tudor turmoil from the viewpoint of three rural Essex women whose lives shift as Anne Boleyn’s downfall unsettles the country. Ava Pickett’s script, which won the Susan Smith Blackburn Prize and Best Writer at the Stage Debut Awards, blends personal danger with national tension in a sharp, contemporary voice. Directed by Lyndsey Turner (The Crucible), the production builds on its critically acclaimed Almeida Theatre premiere, praised for its wit and emotional depth. This West End run highlights how private loyalties and public power collide during one of Tudor England’s most volatile years.
Storyline
Set in Tudor England, the narrative follows three rural women who reunite as rumours spread of Anne Boleyn’s downfall and the king’s shifting favour. Their quiet Essex field becomes a crossroads of fear, loyalty, and uneasy truth as London’s political storms seep into their lives. As gossip sharpens into a threat, each must consider what safety means in a world where royal decisions ripple outward. The real question becomes, how far will they go when survival demands difficult choices?
Show timings
Show timings for 1536 may vary every week. You can check the show timings for your preferred date at the next stage of booking.
Cast & crew
- Director: Lyndsey Turner
- Writer: Ava Pickett
- Designer: Max Jones
- Lighting designer: Jack Knowles
- Lighting concept collaborator: Tim Lutkin
- Sound designer: Tingying Dong
- Composer & arranger: Will Stuart
- Movement & intimacy director: Anna Morrissey
- Fight director: Sam Lyon-Behan
- Assistant director: Taiwo Ava Oyebola
Note: Producers cannot guarantee the appearance of any particular artist, which is always subject to illness and holidays.
Age & content guide
- This show is suitable for ages 14 years and above.
- Content warning: The production contains strong language, violence, and explicit content.
- Age suitability recommendations are just suggestions. So, trust your judgment when booking tickets for any show, and enjoy!
Ambassadors Theatre Read more
The Ambassadors Theatre is one of London’s most intimate West End houses, opened in 1913 and known for its compact auditorium and excellent sightlines. The venue has hosted notable productions, including Stomp, The Mousetrap, and Mad House, starring David Harbour. Its scale makes it well-suited for character-driven work to land with precision.
The Ambassadors Theatre seating plan will help you find the best seats in the theater.
Getting there
- Address: West St, London WC2H 9ND, United Kingdom
- Tube: Leicester Square (Northern, Piccadilly lines) is the nearest station; Covent Garden is also within walking distance.
- Bus: Routes 14, 19, 24, 29, 38, and 176 serve the area.
Facilities & accessibility
Available facilities: Bar, restrooms, cloakroom, foyer seating
Accessibility: Step-free access via a side entrance, designated wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, hearing enhancement headsets, companion seating options
Additional information
- Security: To ensure your comfort and security, you might encounter a few security checks when you arrive at the venue.
- Dress code: Smart casual or semi-formal attire is the way to go.
- Outside food: While outside food isn't usually allowed, many theaters have cafes or restaurants nearby for you to check out before or after the show.
Tickets redemption
- You’ll get an instant email confirmation right after you book your tickets.
- Enjoy a hassle-free entrance to the venue by showing your mobile ticket and a valid photo ID – no printout necessary!
Cancellation & refunds
- Tickets cannot be refunded, amended, or rescheduled.
Frequently asked questions about 1536
How much do the 1536 London tickets cost?
The cost of the tickets starts from £31.25 and will vary depending on the type of seats you choose.
What age is the 1536 play appropriate for?
The play does not have a strict age limit. However, it is most suitable for children aged 14 years and above. The production contains strong language, violence, and explicit content.
Where is the show playing in London?
The show is playing at the Ambassadors Theatre in London.
What is 1536 about?
It follows three Essex women whose lives shift as rumours about Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn spread, exploring how national upheaval filters into ordinary homes.
How does the play relate to Tudor history?
The drama references real events from the year 1536, including the downfall of Anne Boleyn, but focuses on fictional characters shaped by the period’s unrest.
Does the play include depictions of executions or graphic historical events?
It references Tudor brutality but avoids graphic staging. The focus remains on emotional fallout, not reenactments.
What themes does the 1536 play explore?
Power, fear, gender, survival, political rumour, and how ordinary people navigate systems built to control them.
Does the show use period costumes?
It blends Tudor influence with a modern theatrical aesthetic, reflecting both historical roots and contemporary voice.