BBC Greenlights Eight-Part Tudor Drama '1536' from Ava Pickett
The BBC has officially confirmed the development of a new eight-part Tudor drama titled 1536, adapted from the theatrical production by writer Ava Pickett. This series will be produced by Drama Republic, known for projects like Riot Women, and is set to air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
A Darkly Comic Tale of Three Women in Tudor England
Set against the backdrop of Anne Boleyn's imprisonment in 1536, the drama centres on three young women—Anna, Mariella, and Jane—living in an Essex village. As they gossip, argue, and dream while awaiting the start of their lives, news of the queen's arrest by King Henry VIII reaches them, setting off a chain of events that will forever alter their destinies.
The synopsis reveals that as weeks pass, the trio notices a surge of puritanism and misogyny sweeping the country. They navigate challenges such as marriage, relationships, betrayals, and births, all while the fate of a queen in the Tower of London is sealed. In a volatile nation, being a woman becomes increasingly perilous, forcing them to question whether their friendship can endure or if they must turn on each other to survive.
Relevance and Themes in a Modern Context
Described as a terrifying dark comic story, 1536 explores themes of friendship, sisterhood, and societal change. It delves into how the actions of those in power, like a king ordering his queen's arrest, ripple through the lives of working-class women on the fringes of society. The series poses poignant questions about the implications for women elsewhere and whether much has truly changed over the centuries.
Ava Pickett, who is writing the adaptation herself, brings a wealth of experience from scripts for shows such as The Great, Ten Pound Poms, Bad Education, The Buccaneers, Brassic, and How to Get to Heaven from Belfast. She expressed immense pride in the project, stating, "1536 is something I am immensely proud of, and I feel so lucky to bring Anna, Jane, and Mariella to a wider audience." Pickett emphasised the relevance of the story in today's world, where decisions from corridors of power impact all lives.
Executive Producers and BBC Praise for the Project
Rebecca de Souza, executive producer for Drama Republic, hailed Pickett's writing as "truly unique, thrilling, and funny," expressing excitement about producing her first original series. She noted that audiences were captivated by the play 1536, describing it as bold, entertaining, and thought-provoking, with a profound warning for the modern world from a fresh perspective.
Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama, praised the project from its inception, saying, "From the moment we saw Ava's play, we knew we had to have the TV version on the BBC." She highlighted its visceral, funny, provocative, and timely nature, calling it a courageous piece of work unlike any other. Salt added that Pickett is an exceptional voice, and the BBC is fortunate to collaborate with her and the team at Drama Republic to bring these iconic female characters to screen.
While details about the cast remain under wraps, further announcements are expected soon. This drama promises to offer a gripping look at Tudor history through the eyes of women, blending historical intrigue with contemporary resonance.
