The Sphere of Light

Heritage Theatre Productions presents

The World Premiere of

The Sphere of Light

a stage play in three acts.

by Ann Henning Jocelyn

Fri 4 8pm, Sat 5 Aug 2pm & 8pm     

Moved to inside the Loggia building on the Italian Garden (open air with a roof, seating provided)

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A real treat for theatre-lovers and for anyone interested in Tudor history, The Sphere of Light/Secrets of the Boleyn Women, shows what went on behind the closed doors of Hever Castle at the time of the Boleyns. The play develops like a detective story, culminating in a startling conclusion that will dispel the generally accepted myths of sexual obsession, ruthless ambition and plain madness.

Whilst historically accurate and endorsed by Tudor experts, the play will entertain with charm and humour, delivered by a splendid cast (see below). It will also engage with themes common to us all, demonstrating just how little has changed in five hundred years of serious challenges faced by women.

Ann Henning Jocelyn gave up a promising academic career in her native Sweden for work in the London theatre. She is married to the 10th Earl of Roden, who descends from Lord Hunsdon, Mary Boleyn’s son by, presumably, Henry VIII. She now lives in the West of Ireland, writing books and plays that are internationally published and performed. Her latest play, Only Our Own, was hailed by critics in the West End: “This understated and immensely powerful speech sets the tone for a play whose stately rhythm and unshowy manner tackles a huge theme with dynamic artistry.” Lloyd Evans, The Spectator.

CAST:

GEORGE BOLEYN, DEAN OF LICHFIELD: Julian Bird (www.julianbird.co.uk) is known for stage performances such as Freud’s last session, King Lear, and Three Sisters. Film and TV appearances include East Enders and The Tudors. ‘‘Bird captures succinctly the struggle between the physical and the intellectual.” The Stage “Bird’s Freud is movingly vulnerable.” The Financial Times ”A superb performance from Julian Bird.” British Theatre Guide “…Masterful work in sincerity and warmth…” Everything Theatre.

JANE BOLEYN: Kitty Whitelaw (www.kittywhitelaw.com) is a Scottish actor based in London. Her passion and love of live performance has taken her across the world, in live music, theatre, film and TV. She has performed all over the UK, Europe and Singapore. Theatre in London includes lead roles at RADA Festival, VAULT Festival (award winner), Brighton Fringe Festival (award nominated), The Brockley Jack, The Hen and Chickens Theatre, The Bridge House, Ye Olde Rose and Crown Theatre amongst many others.

GEORGE BOLEYN, LORD ROCHFORD: Robert Madeley has worked extensively in theatre throughout the UK, Europe and North America. Highlights include Frankenstein and A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Arts Theatre, New York City/American national tour), Twelfth Night and Loves Labour’s Lost (Oxford Shakespeare Company), Macbeth (Rose Theatre) and Titus Andronicus (St. Leonards, Shoreditch) As a musician he has worked with Lamplighter Productions and Nick Lloyd Webber on Twelfth Night and Love Labour’s Lost as well as The Autumn Festival at Blenheim Palace and Art in Action 2015.

MARY BOLEYN: Maud May (https://www.spotlight.com/7052-7838-5584) studied French and Drama at Trinity College Dublin. She recently graduated from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland

with an MA degree in acting. During her time there she played Olivia on the Globe Stage in a

version of Twelfth Night. In Glasgow she played Friar Francis and Verges in Much Ado About Nothing with the Bard in Botanics theatre company directed by Gordon Barr.

ANNE BOLEYN: Sarah O’Toole (www.sarah-otoole.com) started at Galway Youth Theatre before going on to train at Gaiety School of Acting, Dublin, and then doing an MA in Theatre Directing at Middlesex University. Highlights include: Mary in Pride and Prejudice (Gate Theatre, Dublin & Spoleto Festival, Charleston), Anna in Anna Karenina (Razed Curtain, Glasgow), Isabella in Measure for Measure (Theatrecorp, Galway). Recently she won a Reale Film Festival Best Actress award for the title role in Irish short, Mystic Minnie.

ELIZABETH BOLEYN: Elaine Montgomerie is a veteran actor, with countless appearances on film, TV and stage. In recent years she has been seen as Lady Eliza in the West End production of Only Our Own and as Madame de Pompadour in multiple venues, the Edinburgh Festival and on tour in Australia. “The clear star of the show is Dame Elaine Montgomerie, commanding the stage, well worth a ticket.” Londonist “Her soliloquy, genuinely absorbing and saddening, is the play’s highlight.” Bargain Theatreland.

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Only Our Own by Ann Henning Jocelyn, Arts Theatre West End, 2014:

‘Understated and immensely powerful… tackles a huge theme with dynamic artistry.’

Lloyd Evans, The Spectator.

‘Skilfully depicts an aspect of Irish history… subtle cultural references… well-rounded characters.’

Nicholas Hamilton, The Stage.

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Tickets

Please note – Seating is available for this performance but is unallocated, please choose a seat on arrival

Standard Covered Ticket	£23.50
Standard Ticket with Afternoon Tea	£40.00
Discounted Joint Theatre and Garden Ticket  ADULT	£36.10
Discounted Joint Theatre, Garden & TEA Ticket  ADULT	£52.60
Standard Ticket FESTIVAL FRIENDS	£21.15
Standard Ticket FESTIVAL FRIENDS & TEA	£37.65
Standard Ticket HEVER CASTLE & GOLF CLUB MEMBERS	£21.15

Groups of 8 or more (booked together) will each receive a complimentary copy of the novel Sphere of Light by Ann Henning Jocelyn.

For evening performances pre-Theatre suppers in the Guthrie Pavilion are available. Here is the menu.

Please book your theatre tickets first, then follow this link to reserve your table and pre-order.

Afternoon Tea, available after the matinee performance in the Guthrie Pavilion, can only be booked with your ticket purchase.

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