Guildburys Theatre Company steps back into the vivid history of the Tudors to bring to Surrey an acclaimed modern play about the life and legacy of Henry VIII’s most notorious wife.

Anne Boleyn by Howard Brenton runs from Wednesday, July 11, to Saturday, July 14 at Waverley Abbey House in Farnham and from Wednesday, July 25 to Saturday, July 28 at Merrist Wood House on the Merrist Wood College Campus in Worplesdon.

With the opportunity to make the most of the summer evenings, audiences are invited to bring their own food and drink and enjoy a picnic whilst watching the open-air show.

Anne Boleyn was sentenced to death for treason by her husband in 1536, three years after her coronation. The play portrays her as a woman strongly committed to the King and her religion whose influence helped change the course of England’s history forever.

Anne Boleyn may have died nearly 500 years ago, but she eternally fascinates and intrigues. Groups on social media, extending to hundreds of thousands of members and followers, regularly discuss the key events in her life and their significance.

Jason Orbaum from Woking is making a welcome directorial debut with Guildburys Theatre Company. He has run his own professional theatre company and has nearly 100 shows under his belt.

He said: “I have wanted to direct this play since I first read it. Now is the perfect opportunity as the theme of a strong, intelligent woman who made a huge impact on English history follows on from the company’s production of Nell Gwynn last year.”

The play, written by one of Britain’s greatest playwrights, is as intriguing as its heroine and a real challenge for the director and cast. It’s packed full of danger, betrayal and plots. Friendship and relationships are pushed to the limit – comedy and tragedy are never far apart.”

For more information, and to purchase tickets, visit http://www.guildburys.com/