HBO and BBC Collaborate on New Tudor Drama ‘1536’ Based on Acclaimed Play

HBO and the BBC are officially teaming up for an exciting new historical drama. The two networks will co-produce ‘1536’, a six-episode series inspired by Ava Pickett’s celebrated West End play. This adaptation aims to bring the stage narrative to television while focusing on the lives of everyday women during one of the most notable periods in English history.

As per the official announcement, the series is set in Tudor England during the last months of King Henry VIII’s marriage to Anne Boleyn. Rather than concentrating on the royal court, the story highlights three working-class women whose lives are significantly impacted by the decisions of those in power.

The official description provides insight into the show’s distinctive viewpoint. It states: “A darkly comic and terrifyingly relevant story about friendship, sisterhood, and a changing world, ‘1536’ explores how the actions of a man in power changes the fate of working-class women on the edges of the country. It asks if a king can murder his queen, what does that mean for women elsewhere and how much have things really changed?”

For Pickett, transitioning the story from stage to screen is a significant achievement. She expressed her enthusiasm about collaborating with both HBO and the BBC, while also commending the creative team behind the project.

“I’m so excited and thrilled to be working with HBO, the BBC and Drama Republic on ‘1536’ and feel very lucky to have them champion this story so fiercely,” Pickett shared. “And to be collaborating with the brilliantly talented Molly Manners is a dream come true. I can’t wait to bring this story about power, patriarchy and friendship to a new audience.”

HBO also conveyed its confidence in the project. Francesca Orsi, the company’s Head of Drama, stated that the network was eager to introduce the story to television viewers.

“We’re elated to partner with Ava Pickett and the BBC to bring her first television series to life. Ava is an immense talent, and we couldn’t be more excited and honored to work with her on transforming her singular vision of ‘1536’ from stage to screen,” Orsi remarked.

The BBC welcomed the collaboration as well. Lindsay Salt, the broadcaster’s Director of Drama, expressed excitement about working with HBO again while bringing Pickett’s scripts to life.

“We are thrilled to be working once again with the HBO team and look forward to bringing Ava’s brilliantly bold scripts to life together with the team at Drama Republic. We can’t wait for viewers to see these funny, courageous, and iconic female characters on screen,” Salt said.

The series will be produced by Drama Republic, a part of the Mediawan Group. Pickett will take on several key roles, serving as showrunner, writer, and executive producer. Directing responsibilities will be handled by Molly Manners, known for her work on the acclaimed Netflix series ‘One Day’. Manners will also executive produce alongside Jude Liknaitzky, Roanna Benn, Rebecca de Souza, Chloe Beeson for Drama Republic, and Anna Ferguson for the BBC.

While the Tudor period has inspired numerous films and television series, ‘1536’ promises a fresh perspective by shifting the focus from kings and queens to the ordinary women whose lives were influenced by the surrounding political turmoil. With HBO and the BBC backing the project, the series is already becoming one of the most anticipated historical dramas in development.

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