Hever Castle is thrilled to announce that Anne Boleyn: The Musical will make its world premiere in the grounds of the historic castle from 2 – 30 August 2025. This one-of-a-kind production will be performed in a specially constructed outdoor auditorium, separate from the Festival Theatre, offering an immersive experience in the very place where Anne Boleyn grew up.
Produced by Historalia Productions, Anne Boleyn: The Musical promises to bring Anne’s remarkable life to the stage in a truly captivating way. Historalia, founded 10 years ago in Belgium by Eliane Astor-de Merode (future Lady Astor of Hever) and Simon de Merode, is known for its unique ability to transform historic venues into large-scale musical spectacles. Past productions include Jeanne d’Arc at Westerlo Castle, Marie-Antoinette at Wynendale Castle, and 1830 at Westerlo Castle. Now, they bring their expertise to Hever Castle, delivering a performance that merges history, drama, and music in a powerful retelling of Anne’s life.
The musical will explore Anne Boleyn’s journey from her emotional farewell to her family at Hever Castle, through her transformation in the royal courts of Flanders and France, and finally, her return to England, where she captured the heart of King Henry VIII. Visitors will be able to witness her personal growth, ambitions, and the choices that ultimately changed the course of English history—all set against the backdrop of her childhood home.
Duncan Leslie, CEO of Hever Castle, expressed his excitement about the upcoming production:
“We are delighted to bring Anne Boleyn: The Musical to Hever Castle. There is no more fitting place for this incredible production, where visitors will be transported back in time and can witness the rise and fall of one of England’s most compelling figures. Hosting a musical about Anne Boleyn here at her childhood home promises to be an unforgettable experience.”
Hever Castle, with its 600-year-old history, will once again play a role in Anne Boleyn’s story, providing a unique opportunity for audiences to experience her life within the very grounds that shaped her.
Leslie also shared how Hever Castle became connected with Historalia Productions: “In 2018, I attended a Historalia production at Westerlo Castle in Belgium, and it was a fantastic and memorable spectacle. When they later proposed creating a musical about Anne Boleyn, we knew it would be an unmissable opportunity. Hosting this production at Hever Castle, where Anne once exchanged love letters with Henry VIII, will be both historically significant and magical.”
Leslie reassured regular visitors: “While the stage will occupy part of the grounds in August, we are fortunate to have other spaces available for picnicking and events. We’re excited to welcome both long-time Hever fans and newcomers for a West End-calibre performance at one of England’s most historic locations.”
Anne Boleyn: The Musical will be directed by Roxana Silbert, with a book by Rebecca Knight, music composed by Sam Gevers, and sound design by the acclaimed Ringham Brothers. The creative team also includes set and costume design by Robert Innes-Hopkins, lighting design by Michel Jacobs, and technical direction by Gary Beestone Associates.
Full casting and further production details will be announced soon, so keep an eye on our website for updates.
Tickets are on sale now.
Details
Title: Anne Boleyn: The Musical
Dates: 2 – 30 August 2025
Performance time: 7.30pm
Tickets from: £50.95
Stay tuned for more information and behind-the-scenes insights in the run-up to this exciting event!
Book your visit to Hever Castle & Gardens.
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.
