Even from the title of Bloody Mary and the Nine Day Queen, one can tell whose side writer Gareth Hides is on. The new musical, directed by Adam Stone, tells the story of Mary I of England (Cezarah Bonner) and Lady Jane Grey (Anna Unwin), cousins who were caught up in a battle for the Queendom after the death of Edward VI (played by a literal puppet), the son of Henry VIII. The title of the show comes from the nicknames for the two women, with Mary executing Jane after convicting her of treason for her nine-day reign as Queen of England and Ireland.
By now, we all know that new laws have been enacted which allow the first born, whether male or female, of the reigning heir to the British monarchy to be named that person's successor. This new move to equality of the sexes when it comes to being named the crown was perhaps initially started by Katherine Parr, the sixth and final wife of King Henry VIII, who he made Queen Regent when he went off to war (allowing her to rule in his place). Parr then took it upon herself to have his daughters Mary and Elizabeth (Bess) added to the line of succession should their younger half-brother and heir apparent, Edward, die without any legal heirs to assume the crown. That move led to advancing their status as women of royal privilege as more than just a piece of property to be used as a bargaining chip for royal alliances through marriage.
The Broadway transfer of The Royal Shakespeare Company's Wolf Hall: Parts 1 & 2 began previews on March 20, 2015 at the Winter Garden Theatre, with an opening set for tonight, April 9, 2015. Scroll down to learn more about the cast, plus watch interviews with the company!
The world premiere stage version of Hilary Mantel's multi award-winning novels about the rise and fall of Thomas Cromwell and Anne Boleyn has now been cast and starts rehearsals shortly before starting previews in the Swan Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon in December.
