BRING UP THE BODIES

By Hilary Mantel

Adapted for the Stage by Mike Poulton

Canadian Premiere

Directed by Jonathan Church

Anne Boleyn has won her crown, but the struggle is far from over. Thomas Cromwell is at the height of his influence and King Henry VIII has everything he desires – except a male heir. Beneath the splendour of the Tudor court, fear and suspicion drive events toward a dangerous reckoning. As alliances fracture and loyalties are tested, one of history’s most powerful women finds herself in increasing peril. With chilling precision, Bring Up the Bodies traces the shocking distance between the throne and the scaffold, bringing this epic theatrical event to its devastating conclusion.

See both parts! A Sweeping Saga of Power, Passion and Betrayal

Wolf Hall and Bring Up the Bodies tell one of the most compelling stories ever brought to the stage: the rise of Thomas Cromwell, the transformation of England and the extraordinary ascent and fall of Anne Boleyn. Adapted from Hilary Mantel's wildly popular and acclaimed novels, these two plays combine political intrigue, human drama and unforgettable characters in a theatrical event of rare scope and power.

This Canadian premiere brings to Stratford the celebrated stage adaptations first produced by the Royal Shakespeare Company, where they earned extraordinary acclaim. The Daily Mail called them "the must-see theatre event of the year." The Sunday Times praised them as "history as sparkling, fleet-footed entertainment... there is literally never a dull moment."

Individually compelling and even richer in combination, these two plays chart one of history's most fascinating chapters.

The production marks the Stratford Festival directorial debut of Artistic Director Jonathan Church. Church has directed celebrated productions across the UK and London's West End, including Dickens' Nicholas Nickleby, which became a sold-out sensation and demonstrated the remarkable impact of experiencing an epic story unfold across two productions.