The third and final novel in the critically acclaimed Wolf Hall series has been adapted for the stage and will be heading to the Gielgud Theatre from the 23rd September.

Producers Playful Productions and the Royal Shakespeare Company have announced that The Mirror and The Light will receive its world premiere production at the Gielgud Theatre later this year.

With tickets going on sale on the 27th May, the play is the concluding part to Hilary Mantel’s award-winning novels about the rise and fall of Thomas Cromwell, all commissioned and developed for the stage by Playful Productions. The Mirror and The Light has been adapted for the stage by Mantel herself alongside Ben Miles, who will return to his role as Cromwell to complete the trilogy.

The production will also see Nathaniel Parker  resuming his Olivier Award-winning and Tony Award nominated role as Henry VIII, along with Jeremy Herrin, who was nominated for an Olivier Award for the first two productions, returns to direct.

England, 1536. Anne Boleyn’s fate has been sealed by the executioner. Jane Seymour must deliver King Henry a healthy heir. And to the disgust of Henry’s nobles, Thomas Cromwell continues his ruthless ascent from the gutters of Putney to the highest rank beside his master. But with the threat of invasion and the King’s legacy tottering, Cromwell is vulnerable and his enemies are poised to strike. The further you climb, the harder you fall.

The creative team for the production is also set to include scenic and costume design by Christopher Oram who won both Olivier and Tony Awards for his work on Wolf Hall and Bring Up the Bodies and music by Stephen Warbeck.

Matthew Byam Shaw, Producer for Playful Productions, said: “I am delighted that we are able to bring this brilliant visceral play to the stage this autumn. Hilary Mantel and Ben Miles have created a taut and fast-paced final instalment to this epic trilogy. It is wonderful that Jeremy Herrin and Christopher Oram will once again bring the work to life, reuniting with Ben and Nathaniel Parker as Cromwell and Henry VIII. It feels especially good to be presenting this play now as the country re-emerges from a very difficult year. We hope that it brings a palpable feeling of excitement to theatre audiences once again.” 

The Mirror and The Light will play at the Gielgud Theatre from the 23rd September until the 28th November. To sign up for more information visit: https://themirrorandthelight.co.uk/