Go behind the scenes at Anne Boleyn the Musical at Hever Castle

Go behind the scenes for the world premiere of Anne Boleyn the Musical, as new photos have been released.

Playing at Hever Castle, the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, throughout August, the new musical will be performed in a specially constructed 1,800-seat outdoor auditorium in the castle’s grounds.

Exploring Boleyn’s early life and rise to the English court in the 16th century, the piece follows her departure from her family and her time at the royal courts of Flanders and France, leading to her return to England, where she would eventually capture the attention of King Henry VIII.

Directed by Roxana Silbert, with a book by Rebecca Night, lyrics by Night and Sam Kenyon, and music composed by Sam Gevers, it’ll be the UK’s first outdoor production featuring binaural sound, designed by Ben and Max Ringham and recorded by the City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra.

Leading the cast will be Emily Lane in the title role, with Mark Goldthorp as Henry VIII.

They’ll be joined by Dona Atallah as Princess Claude / Jane / Princess Mary / Elizabeth / Messenger / cover Anne, Noah Sinigaglia as Queen Katherine / Margaret, Kim Ismay as Joan, Joshua Oakes-Rogers as George Boleyn, Matt Bond as Thomas Cromwell, Clive Hayward as Thomas Boleyn, and Chomba S Taulo as Matthew Parker.

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Rebecca Luter, who also plays Jane Seymour, and Jay Worley complete the cast as swings.

Annabelle Jones and Betsy Godden will share the role of Young Anne, and Arthur Moffat and Dawson Richards will share the role of Young George Boleyn.

They’ll play alongside a 35-strong community cast from Kent.

You can have a first listen to Lane perform a number from the show here.

Also on the creative team are choreographer Alistair David, Lydia Scott-Johnson as associate director, Ben Mundy as associate choreographer, Matthew Malone as musical supervisor, and set and costume designer Robert Innes-Hopkins. Lighting design is by Michel Jacobs, technical direction is managed by Gary Beestone Associates, and the production is overseen by producer Simon de Merode for Historalia Productions, with executive producer Kevin Fitzmaurice and line producer Pippa Hill. Casting is by Debbie O’Brien.

Historalia Productions, founded by Eliane Astor-De Merode and Simon de Merode, has a history of producing large-scale historical musicals in Belgium, including Jeanne d’Arc, Marie-Antoinette, and 1830.

A range of dining options has also been announced, including access to the Italian Loggia, fine dining, and fast food options.

Anne Boleyn the Musical plays at Hever Castle from 2 to 30 August 2025, with a gala press night on Wednesday 6 August.