The Whore Queen opens Friday 21st August at The Courtyard Theatre, inviting audiences to get to know the real Anne Boleyn. Learn more about what you can expect:
1: What first drew you to Anne Boleyn?
I’ve always loved history and I think for most people the Tudors and Henry VIII’s wives have been the focal point of fascination. I learnt about them in history in school, but, it wasn’t until I read Alison Weir’s “Lady in the Tower” that I realised the extent how much Anne (specifically) endured throughout just three years of marriage; the public and courts’ perception of her, and just how fundamental she was to the reformation of the church. Because so much of what we know about Anne survives through the lense of the men who despised her, I felt the urge to try and do her story justice – as have many notable female historians.
2: What do you think people often get wrong about Anne Boleyn?
Either that she was ‘just a Queen’ or that she was this evil manipulative schemer behind the scenes wanting to bring down then King. The historical record has painted these broad strokes because the finer details have been erased at the time that could flesh out someone into what they are – human.
3: The show moves through different genres. How do you balance this?
It hasn’t been an easy task, but having the ability to play and push one genre further than the other (and visa versa) in the development process has been such a learning curve. As Anne’s last few years are full of tragedies, it was important that we float the lines carefully and sensitively. There are times where certain music motifs aren’t necessary as it undercuts the moment or a sarcastic aside is needed to lift the mood slightly. But all the hard work, the world, the character, are all cemented at the beginning and these genres naturally unfold from there now.
4: What do you hope audiences take away from The Whore Queen?
I hope the audience ultimately learn more about Anne – that she is more than one word in a limerick that has been passed down through generations. That they go home and talk about her. But most of all, take away the fact that she was human.
5: What does performing at Camden Fringe mean to you?
I’m so excited to bring the show to Camden Fringe in front of a new audience. This is the biggest Fringe that my work has been performed at and it feel like a new stepping stone on mine and The Whore Queen’s journey. I’m looking forward to performing in front of different audiences and their reactions to this version of Anne.
6: What has been the most enjoyable part about creating The Whore Queen?
Learning to have fun with the piece and playing around. It’s been such a journey trying to figure out how best to write and portray Anne’s story that and it has only come about through that play, through that trial and error. And now I get to play onstage with the audience and just breathe, and it feels amazing!
The Whore Queen opens Friday 21st August at The Courtyard Theatre. Many thanks to Ellie Grace for answering our questions. Book your tickets here!
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