A new perspective on Shakespeare and John Fletcher’s Henry VIII is born in the Globe Theatre this summer.

You may think you already know his story – the Tudor King who redefines religion, law and history in pursuit of a male heir – but it’s never been told like this before.

From Katharine, the current Queen left fighting for justice, to Anne Bullen (Boleyn), the Lady who provokes a country-altering reformation, see Henry’s obsession from the view of the women who steered his life and ultimately shaped his legacy.

Our iconic wooden ‘O’ drips in gold this Summer, as 2022 Resident Writer Hannah Khalil and Director Amy Hodge inject voices from across Shakespeare’s canon, shining a light on the women fighting for a place in a man’s world.

‘Who knows yet
But from this Lady may proceed a gem
To lighten all this isle’

– Act II, scene 3

Content guidance: This production contains overt sexual content, an on-stage depiction of an execution, and an on-stage depiction of childbirth. There are latex balloons, sudden loud noises, and use of stage blood and a gun. Please contact the ticketing team on 020 7401 9919 or tickets@shakespearesglobe.com if you would like further details on the play’s content.

Want to enhance your experience? Or not feeling up to speed on your Tudor knowledge? Take a unique Henry VIII Guided Tour, which you can go on before selected performances.