Cast news: Anne Boleyn the Musical

Anne Boleyn the Musical – World Premiere Announced

21-11-24

A new musical exploring the life and legacy of one of history’s most compelling women will make its world premiere next summer in an open-air production at Hever Castle, the childhood home of Anne Boleyn.

Producers Eliane Astor-De Merode and Simon de Merode of Historalia Productions have announced that Anne Boleyn the Musical will run from 2 to 30 August 2025 in a specially constructed 1,800-seat outdoor auditorium in the castle grounds.

Directed by Roxana Silbert, with a book by Rebecca Night, lyrics by Night and Sam Kenyon, and original music by Sam Gevers, the musical will tell Anne’s story in the place where it began—charting her departure from Hever Castle to the royal courts of Flanders and France, and her eventual return as the woman destined to change the fate of a kingdom.

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Emily Lane, recently seen as Minnie Fay in Hello, Dolly! at the London Palladium and previously as Anna in Frozen at Theatre Royal Drury Lane, will take on the role of Anne Boleyn. Mark Goldthorp (A Christmas Carol, Sister Act) stars as Henry VIII, with Dona Atallah (Broken Wings, Hawn) as Mary / Elizabeth I / Messenger, and Noah Sinigaglia (Mamma Mia! The Party, Broken Wings) as Queen Katherine / Margaret.

Joining them are Kim Ismay (Mamma Mia!, Sunset Boulevard, Wicked) as Joan, Joshua Oakes-Rogers (Madagascar the Musical, Cinderella & the Glass Slipper) as George Boleyn, Matt Bond (Jerry Springer: The Opera, Jekyll & Hyde) as Thomas Cromwell, Clive Hayward (A Christmas Carol, Anything Goes) as Thomas Boleyn, and Chomba S. Taulo (Pretty Woman, The Book of Mormon) as Matthew Parker.

Rebecca Luter (Grease, 54 Below) and Jay Worley (Blood Brothers, Jersey Boys) complete the cast as swings. The roles of Young Anne and Young George Boleyn will be shared by Annabelle Jones (12) and Betsy Godden (13), and Arthur Moffat (11) and Dawson Richards (14) respectively.

The professional company will be joined by a 35-strong community cast from Kent, who will act, sing, and dance throughout the production—continuing Historalia’s commitment to integrating local talent in their large-scale historical shows.

The musical will feature set and costume design by Robert Innes-Hopkins, sound design by The Ringham Brothers, lighting by Michel Jacobs, and technical direction by Gary Beestone Associates. The production is overseen by Producer Simon de Merode, with Executive Producer Kevin Fitzmaurice and Line Producer Philippa Hill.

Founded ten years ago in Belgium, Historalia Productions is known for staging immersive historical musicals at castles and heritage sites. Past productions include Jeanne d’Arc (Westerlo Castle, 2024), Marie-Antoinette (Wynendale Castle, 2023), and 1830 (Westerlo Castle, 2021).

Simon de Merode shared,

“We are so excited to bring Historalia’s unique blend of historical storytelling and theatrical innovation to UK audiences. Hever Castle offers an unmatched historical backdrop for this unforgettable musical.”

Eliane Astor-De Merode, co-producer and future Lady Astor of Hever, said,

“It is a privilege to bring Anne Boleyn the Musical to life at this historic estate. Hever has always been intertwined with Anne’s story, and this production allows us to continue that legacy.”

Duncan Leslie, CEO of Hever Castle, added,

“This unique production offers a special opportunity for our visitors to experience a West End-calibre show in the remarkable setting of Hever Castle. Hosting this production where Anne once exchanged love letters with Henry VIII is as historically significant as it is magical.”

The set will be built directly on the sloping lawn, with Hever Castle itself forming part of the scenic design, as cast members will enter and exit from the castle’s historic structure.

With full casting now announced and production preparations underway, Anne Boleyn the Musical is set to be a landmark theatrical event—combining heritage, community, and musical storytelling on an ambitious scale.

Get more details from the official site HERE.