1536 Transfers to the West End After a Sold-Out Almeida Run
1536, the “electrifying” (The Standard) historical drama with a razor-sharp modern edge, is storming into the West End after a completely sold-out run at the Almeida Theatre.
Running from 02 May – 01 August 2026 at the Ambassadors Theatre, this must-see new play has been hailed as “effortlessly funny, bold and ballsy” (The Guardian).
Casting will be announced soon.
About the Director of 1536
Directed by Olivier Award-winner Lyndsey Turner (Chimerica), this “razor-sharp, darkly comic and blisteringly relevant” (The Independent) production explores the fierce, fragile dynamics of female friendship in a world built to keep women down.
Who Wrote 1536? Meet Ava Pickett
Ava Pickett’s debut play has already made waves, winning the 2024 Susan Smith Blackburn Prize, the 2025 Stage Debut Award for Best Writer, and earning a special commendation from the George Devine Award.
She is currently co-writing Baz Luhrmann’s Jehanne D’Arc film, marking her as one of the most exciting writers of her generation.
Ava Pickett on the Inspiration Behind 1536
“It’s truly beyond my wildest dreams… I’m such an example of what can happen when people get in your corner early. Huge thanks to the Almeida Theatre and Genesis for believing in the play — and to Sonia Friedman for championing it to the West End.”
On the play’s themes, she added:
“1536 was written in response to the never-ending news stories about violence against women. If a King can kill his wife in a palace, how does that affect three working-class women in Essex? The world hasn’t changed as much as we think — power always bleeds down.”
What Is 1536 About?
Kings don’t kill their wives… right?
Set in Tudor England, the play unfolds in a field in Essex where three childhood friends hurry to their old meeting spot, hungry for gossip from London.
Rumours of tension between King Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn are sweeping the country. But closer to home, another rumour — far more dangerous — begins to spark.
As the women notice unsettling parallels between palace intrigue and their own lives, they realise the royal scandal could tear apart everything they hold dear.
1536 West End Creative Team
Director: Lyndsey Turner
Set & Costume Designer: Max Jones
Lighting Designer: Jack Knowles
Sound Designer: Tingying Dong
Movement & Intimacy Director: Anna Morrissey
Composer & Arranger: Will Stuart
Casting Director: Amy Ball CDG
Additional information about the West End production of 1536
When is 1536 playing in London?
1536 is playing 02 May – 01 August 2026
What time does the Play 1536 start?
Monday – Saturday 1536 starts at 7.30pm
Wednesday & Saturday Matinee’s of 1536 start at 2.30pm
How long is the Play 1536?
1536 is approximately 1 hour & 50 mins, no interval.
What London Theatre is 1536 on at?
1536 is on at the Ambassadors Theatre
What is the age recommendation for 1536?
1536 is suitable for ages 15+
Are there any Accessible Performances for 1536?
TBC
