1536

Ambassadors Theatre

One of the best one-act plays you will see, it's hard not to be sucked into this show and captivated. Such potential, interesting choices and just lacked flow.

1536, written by Ava Pickett and directed by Lyndsey Turner, has officially opened at The Ambassadors Theatre. First things first, what a concept! It is all about the impact of Anne Boleyn's beheading in 1536 and the position of women in society. The play begins when Ann Boleyn is arrested and continues through to when she is sadly beheaded. However, she does not appear in this play!

It follows three women who live in Essex and the expectations of a woman in that time, whilst men can do the things they disgrace women for with not only no judgement, but celebration. Anna, played by one of the strongest performers, Siena Kelly, is portrayed as a strong female character who says what's on her mind, enjoys her youth, and is not ready for commitment... in terms of what that means for a woman, not neccesarily having someone be comitted to her, she doesn't want to be a possession. Who would? The show opens in the middle of an intimate moment between her and Richard, played by Oliver Johnstone. This moment is very integral and represents the start of something dramatic. The language of the show felt a little mch, but it's such a clever way to show the characters are beung their real selves, in a way that isn't so 'artsy', it makes sense! This is guarenteed to have you on the edge of your seat! If only the transitions from scene to scene sustained the intensity of the show.

There are three friends who live in a time when women were to find their husbands, get married, have children and keep home life 'perfect'. A man wanted a pure woman... whilst he could go around and have relations with other women, but if their wife did that it was a crime. Jane, played by Liv Hill is trying to conform to what is expected of her, Mariella, played by Tanya Reynolds is deep into her career as a midwife and has been stung by love and Anna played by Siena Kelly, knows her beauty and uses it to get what she wants from men. The three have this seemingly strong friendship, until everything gets turned on it's head and we get to know the characters more. You aren't ready for the chaos. The three show a masssive character arc and their changes in their friendship is so gripping to watch. I have no nails left after that show! The only moment that could've been bigger was the reveal at the end, but blimey what a cast. Great choices for each role and it's a hard watch with the treatment of each character. One of the best stage fight directions/choreography I've seen! Very realistic, great work by Sam Lyon-Behan. Richard played by Oliver Johnstone is a brilliant villian, how he changes from charming, romantic and the chemistry, to this power hungry, evil character is such a difficult watch. It's hard to not react to his dark side.

Set design and costume by Max Jones is such a great way to get across the era and the environment the characters live in. It would be more interesting to see other settings, such as the market or some house moments, just to get a clearer image of the status of some of the characters. However, the hidden place in the fields where the show is set shows that this is the only place the characters can be their true selves and reveal their secrets. It would be beneficial to see their masks around all of the eyes and ears. This would make the show stronger, more visually interesting and as the show is 1 hour 50, whilst it is a very captivating show, it would make it so much stronger and more interesting to have more visual moments to keep all audience members engaged the whole length of the show. Lighting by Jack Knowles and sound by Tingying Dong keeps the drama quite high, but the moments between scenes fragments the show. There's a black out on stage and bright lights around the stage. This is a bit too intense and whilst the scenes are dramatic, it doesn't quite fit the aesthetic of the show.

This play is exactly what the West End needs this summer, a gripping story, well written and the topics it covers are hard hitting. Really hard hitting! I'd be suprised if you don't live the show utterly gobsmacked. It's a show filled with incredble actors who know how to give their characters layer upon layer. The Ambassador theatre is a great stage for the piece aswell, I'm looking forward to seeing how well recieved it is and how it develops. It's such a unique concept, what it represents and how it unravels is something truly captivating. You'd be mad to miss this show.