A Riveting Three-Part Series on Channel 5
The historical period drama Anne Boleyn, commissioned by Channel 5 and first broadcast in June 2021, has captivated viewers worldwide. This psychological thriller, rooted in real events, chronicles the final five months in the life of Anne Boleyn, who reigned as Queen of England from 1533 to 1536 and was executed for treason in 1536. The series features charged storylines, outstanding performances, and memorable characters that have hooked audiences.
Based on Real Events and Expertly Crafted
Penned by Eve Hedderwick and directed by Lynsey Miller, the mini-series includes historian Dan Jones as executive producer. The official synopsis reads: 'The final months of Boleyn's life, her struggle with Tudor England's patriarchal society, her desire to secure a future for her daughter, Elizabeth, and the brutal reality of her failure to provide Henry with a male heir.'
Jodie Turner-Smith Delivers a Commanding Performance
Jodie Turner-Smith takes on the title role of Anne Boleyn, drawing both praise and controversy. Many viewers have lauded her commanding performance and screen presence, while some have expressed frustration at what they perceive as 'rewriting of history.' Turner-Smith stars alongside Mark Stanley, Paapa Essiedu, Barry Ward, Amanda Burton, Lola Petticrew, Thalissa Teixeira, and Isabella Laughland in an accomplished ensemble.
Filming Locations Across Yorkshire
Principal photography spanned six weeks across Yorkshire, utilizing Castle Howard in North Yorkshire, Bolton Abbey in Wharfedale, Ripley Castle in Ripley, St Michael's Church in Emley, Bolton Castle in Wensleydale, Oakwell Hall in Birstall, and Harewood House in Harewood as filming locations.
Audience and Critical Reception
The production has garnered widespread acclaim. One Rotten Tomatoes viewer said: 'Jodie Turner-Smith is amazing in the title role Anne Boleyn. The entire cast does a great job, it's well directed, and it's very entertaining.' Another IMDB user review reads: 'This is a wonderful period piece. I gave it 10 stars because it deserves a higher rating than it has... The series had my attention and sucked me in until the very end. I thought the production value was excellent.'
A third viewer added: 'Riveting. So much has been written and acted about Anne Boleyn, one hardly knows the actual truth. Anne Boleyn as a politically astute woman was a new idea for me. Jodie Turner-Smith's acting made this series riveting and she portrayed Queen Anne with great dignity.'
Critical reception has been largely positive, with one reviewer noting: 'Anne Boleyn and Turner-Smith make the dusty, distant history feel immediate and pertinent once more.' However, not all were won over; one critic wrote: 'For the most part, we've been down this road so many times that Miller and her actors struggle to bring much that's fresh to the table.' Another critic reserved particular admiration for the lead: 'Jodi Turner-Smith is mesmerising in this three-part series.'
Where to Watch
All three episodes of Anne Boleyn are available to watch on Channel 5 or to purchase on Amazon Prime Video and YouTube.
