HBO and the BBC have joined forces to produce a television adaptation of Ava Pickett’s acclaimed West End play “1536.” The six-episode series will bring the stage production to screens through a co-production partnership, with Drama Republic handling production duties.
The drama centers on three working-class women living in Tudor England during a tumultuous period in the monarchy. Set against the backdrop of Henry VIII’s deteriorating marriage to Anne Boleyn, the narrative examines how the decisions of powerful men ripple through the lives of ordinary citizens. The show combines dark comedy with serious themes, exploring questions about power, gender, and social change across centuries.
Pickett will serve as showrunner, writer, and executive producer, while director Molly Manners, known for her work on “One Day,” will helm the series and serve as an executive producer. The creative team also includes additional executive producers from both Drama Republic and the BBC. Industry executives praised the project, with HBO’s head of drama calling Pickett “an immense talent” and the BBC’s drama director describing the scripts as “brilliantly bold” with “funny, courageous, and iconic female characters.”
Originally reported by Variety →
About the Author
