The Other Boleyn Girl

Poulner Players are celebrating 50 years of theatre in the area & this is a great play to continue with their choices to show us the audience. The Other Boleyn Girl by Mark Poulton is based on the book by Philippa Gregory. It tells the story of the rivalry between Anne Boleyn and her sister Mary. The play is set around the Boleyn family home and King Henry VIII’s court. It follows the story of Mary who has become, the royal mistress, and being used as a pawn by her ambitious family. Mary was reluctant at first as she had a husband of her own, but she has genuine feelings for the king, & had 2 children by him. This later causes trouble with her & her sister Anne, who is now determined to claim the crown for herself at any cost. Everyone plays their characters well, and are very convincing in their roles, the story comes over well. I loved the attention to detail with the costumes, and when the whole cast are on stage with the dancing in the Court. The set is minimal but effective with some choice pieces being used for different scenes. The lighting and sound were just right. Rhianna Au-Webb plays the role of Mary very well, and you can tell how she is torn between her family & the Royal court and how she becomes very disillusioned by it all. Caroline Windsor plays Anne and is very determined to be Queen, and doesn't really care who she hurts to get there. There is a real bond between them to start and also with their brother George played by Scott Bedwell. The three work well together. Alan Lodge is good in the role of Francis Weston, & Stephanie Edwards plays Jane Parker, George's wife in name only as he prefers spending his time with Francis. Steve Russell plays both King Henry VIII. & Cardinal Worsey & Angie Chappell plays Queen Katherine. Peter Cockburn as Thomas Howard - Duke of Norfolk was great in his role along with Christine Hughes as Lady Elizabeth Howard & Gareth Dunning as Thomas Boleyn. There are other smaller roles that all added to the story. The final scenes were building all the time and added real drama especially the very clever ending. Well done to you all on another great production. Marie Coltman Noda Rep

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