Anne Boleyn the Musical
Hever Castle
until 30 August 2025
Tickets
To combine Musical Theatre and British history is a sure fire way of getting my pulse racing with excitement. Then to stage the production at one of the most picturesque castles in the world and where part of the story actually took place half a century ago really puts the icing on the cake. I couldn’t wait to see Anne Boleyn the Musical.
Once you get through the road blocks, approaching Hever Castle in Kent is always a lovely experience. This pretty castle, set in exquisite grounds was Anne Boleyn’s childhood home. Gasps from the audience were audible as they entered the 1800 seat raked auditorium which has been erected in the grounds. The audience are comfortably under cover but the stage is open air, with the grounds and castle as the most magnificent backdrop you will ever see in a theatrical setting. It is truly unique and glorious.
The story of Anne Boleyn is played out sensitively. In Anne Boleyn the Musical, the Anne we meet is not ambitious for her own and family’s sake, but she is a highly educated person, desperate for religious reform and to serve the people of England. This slant is always suggested but I have never seen it as the main focus of her story which made it very interesting.
The cast was large and consists of a mix of professional and community groups. The leads were Emily Lane (Anne) and Mark Goldthorp (Henry VIII), ably supported by Kim Ismay (Joan), Matt Bond (Cromwell) Noah Sinigaglia (Queen Katherine) and others. Robert Innes-Hopkins designed the sumptuous set and costumes creating possibly the most visually striking performance you will see. The binaural sound system designed by the Ringham Brothers captures the audio and relays it to the audience via headsets. It may look and feel a little weird, but it means that voices and singing sounded natural and not forced or amplified.
Anne Boleyn the Musical is a truly a remarkable and unforgettable production where the castle is the star attraction, my love for Hever has amplified.
Reviewer: Sammi O’Neill
Tickets
The Venue – Hever Castle and Gardens
Hever is a small village outside Edenbridge in Kent. It has its own train station with the last train leaving at 11pm. You can also choose to spend the day at Hever Castle, if you haven’t been there before, I highly recommend it. Steeped in history and romanticism. Not only was it Anne Boleyn’s childhood home, but it also belonged briefly to Anne of Cleeves and in later years the Waldorf Astor family.
Ticket Pricing
There are a variety of ticket prices ranging from seats at £55.95 to a Platinum Premium ticket at £102.95 which also includes the best seats with cushion & blanket, a Programme, 6 drink tokens & Glass of champagne at The Loggia (Stunning!!!) together with premium parking. For an extra cost there are other dining options to consider listed on the website. Truly a night to remember.