Anne Boleyn has never really left the stage.
From classic Hollywood films to award-winning television dramas and modern musical theatre, she has been reimagined time and again as one of history’s most compelling figures. This summer, Hever Castle brings those interpretations together in Capturing a Queen: The Image of Anne Boleyn – a world-first exhibition exploring one of history’s most debated faces.
Now, a striking new addition is set to take its place in the exhibition: Anne Boleyn’s costume from the Broadway production of SIX the Musical (2023). It is the first time a Boleyn costume from SIX has ever been displayed in the UK.
On loan from Ex Wives Limited, the costume reimagines Anne as a modern pop icon – confident, bold, and unapologetically centre stage. Designed by Gabriella Slade, it reflects the musical’s distinctive approach to giving Henry VIII’s six wives their own voices and perspectives.
Although firmly contemporary in style, the design is rich with historical reference. It draws on the iconic image of Anne as seen in the Hever Rose Portrait, which also features her pearl “B” necklace. These visual touchpoints are woven together with elements of Tudor dress, including doublet-inspired shaping and subtle references to Henry VIII’s heraldic imagery at Hever Castle itself. Even Greensleeves finds its way into the design language, quietly linking past and present.
Every detail of the costume speaks to the intensity of its stage life. The black vinyl base is cut entirely by hand, with stud embellishments individually pressed into place to create its sharp, high-impact finish. Made from PVC, vinyl, sequins, spandex, mesh, leather, suede and crystal elements, it is a piece that blends craftsmanship with theatrical spectacle.
The SIX queens are dressed like contemporary pop icons – a fusion of Tudor silhouettes and Beyoncé-era glitter. Anne’s costume combines vibrant green fabric trimmed with black leather and gold studs, forming a deliberate exaggeration of her “dangerous beauty.” She plays with her own myth: “My sleeves may be green but my lipstick’s red.” The humour gently exposes centuries of objectification.
The costume now joins a remarkable line-up of Anne Boleyn portrayals featured in the exhibition, including Geneviève Bujold’s costume from the Oscar-winning film Anne of the Thousand Days (1969). The gown reflects the film’s richly detailed historical approach, with layered fabrics, structured silhouettes and a restrained Tudor-inspired design that conveys both status and fragility on screen. Its craftsmanship supports a performance that helped define Anne for a new generation, presenting her as intelligent, ambitious and politically astute in a portrayal that continues to resonate.
Also featured is Natalie Dormer’s costume from The Tudors (2007–08), part of a production known for its heightened, fashion-led interpretation of Tudor dress. The costume combines rich fabrics, fitted shaping and dramatic detailing, creating a more contemporary visual language while still evoking period influence. It reflects a portrayal of Anne that is confident, intelligent and politically driven, and helped establish one of the most visually striking modern interpretations of the queen.
Together, these costumes reveal just how fluid Anne Boleyn’s image has become over time. In some versions she is a tragic heroine, in others a strategist, a romantic figure, or a modern feminist icon. Each reflects the era that created it as much as the queen herself.
Set within Hever Castle, Anne’s childhood home, Capturing a Queen offers a rare chance to see how her story has travelled far beyond Tudor walls, and how she continues to inspire writers, designers and performers nearly 500 years later. The exhibition is included with castle admission.
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Within the grounds of the Hever Castle Estate, there are two opportunities for you to stay the night with us.
Hever Castle has played host to many important events and celebrations for over 600 years. In 1903 when William Waldorf Astor set about restoring Hever Castle to its former glory, he added the Astor Wing, to accommodate his family and guests, before creating a lake and the spectacular Italian Garden to house his impressive collection of ancient Greek and Roman statuary.
There are multiple places to eat & drink across the Hever Castle Estate. Select between the Castle & Gardens and Golf Club below to discover more.
Set in the mature grounds of the Hever Castle Estate, Hever Castle Golf Club is a 27 hole Kent golf course that will encourage and inspire all golf enthusiasts.
Set in the mature grounds of the Hever Castle Estate, the Wellbeing Centre consists of five smart treatment rooms.
