Ava Pickett becomes the first writer from the Genesis Almeida New Playwrights, Big Plays programme to be commissioned for the Almeida Theatre‘s main stage. Directed by Lydnsey Turner, 1536 runs from 6 May – 7 June 2025, as part of the Almeida’s new season.

Ava’s play received acclaim earlier this year when she won the Susan Smith Blackburn Prize, a prestigious $25,000 playwriting award for women+ playwrights.

1536 unfolds in Tudor Essex and follows three women as they discuss the news of Anne Boleyn’s arrest.

As part of the Almeida’s season announcement, Artistic Director Rupert Goold said “…we continue to be very grateful to the Genesis Foundation for their ongoing support of the next generation of new artists.”

Register for the Almeida Theatre’s priority booking, opening on 23 September.