Anne Boleyn The Musical at Hever Castle – Regal Drama in a Royal Setting

There are few places more fitting to watch Anne Boleyn’s story unfold than Hever Castle, her childhood home. And let me tell you, if you’re going to spend an evening watching Tudors sing and scheme, this is the place to do it. As the sun sets and the castle begins to shimmer in changing colours—violet, amber, sapphire—it’s hard not to feel like you’ve stepped into a fairy-tale. Or at least a very glamorous history book.

Mark Goldthorp as King Henry. Photo credit Daniel Watson

The show kicks off with a flourish. The cast doesn’t just appear—they arrive, sweeping across the lawn like they’ve been summoned by royal decree. And then comes the moment: Henry VIII, played by Mark Goldthorp, enters on a white horse. Yes, a real one. It’s pure theatre, and it works. Goldthorp, who’s graced stages in Sister Act and A Christmas Carol, looks uncannily like Damian Lewis—enough to make you blink twice and whisper, “Is that…?”

Emily Lane, fresh from Frozen and Hello, Dolly!, plays Anne with a voice that’s nothing short of stunning. Her vocals are crystal clear and emotionally rich, and she carries Anne from wide-eyed girl to doomed queen with elegance. The script doesn’t always give her the depth she deserves, but Lane makes the most of every moment.

A standout performance comes from Kim Ismay as Joan, Anne’s servant. Ismay, known for Mamma Mia! and Wicked, brings warmth and wit to the role, grounding the drama with a touch of humanity. She’s the kind of character you want more of.

Now, let’s talk cast size. It’s big. Over 35 community performers from Kent join the professionals, and while it adds to the feeling of a bustling Tudor court, it does veer into am-dram territory. It’s charming, yes, but also a bit like a school play where everyone’s been promised a role. You half expect someone to pop out of a hedge with a lute.

The musical traces Anne’s journey from childhood, through her time abroad, to her rise and fall. The music is lush, the choreography lively, and the story sweeping—but it doesn’t dig deep. Compared to the psychological richness of Wolf Hall (hello, Mark Rylance, Damian Lewis, Jonathan Pryce, Timothy Spall), this feels more like a costume parade. The characters are lovely to look at, but not always fully formed.

What a backdrop!

And here’s a missed trick: at the moment of Anne’s execution, the castle remains softly lit. Imagine the impact of a blood-red wash across those ancient stones. Chilling. Memorable. But alas, it never comes.

The individual headsets are clever—binaural sound design means you hear whispers and footsteps as if they’re right behind you. It’s immersive, though occasionally a bit off when the sound doesn’t quite match the action.

The interval is long, so no need to sprint to the bar or loo. In fact, the whole evening is designed to be leisurely. Arrive early, grab a drink, maybe some food (the offering is surprisingly decent), and soak in the surroundings. Pairing a castle visit with the show makes for a pretty perfect day out.

But if you’re expecting something revolutionary—like Six, which shook up the genre with sass and pop—this isn’t it. Anne Boleyn The Musical is traditional, respectful, and occasionally stirring, but it doesn’t break new ground.

★★★ – A majestic setting and strong performances, but the drama doesn’t always match the grandeur.

Dates: 2 – 30 August 2025

Location: Hever Castle, Edenbridge, Kent TN8 7NG

Performed in a specially constructed outdoor auditorium within the castle grounds—separate from the Festival Theatre—for a truly immersive experience.

Booking: Tickets are available now via the official Hever Castle website:👉 Book here