Overview
Synopsis
Based on Hilary Mantel’s historical novel by the same name, Wolf Hall is a stage adaptation of the fictionalized biography of Thomas Cromwell, advisor to King Henry VIII of England. Following the failure Cardinal Wolsey to secure Henry’s divorce from Katharine of Aragon, Cromwell uses a dangerous combination of manipulation, efficiency, and personal charm to bring about the impossible: to proclaim Henry VIII as supreme head of the newly invented Church of England. The story mainly deals with Cromwell’s rapid rise to power in the English court, and the tumultuous events that followed.
Following a sold-out run at Stratford-upon-Avon, Wolf Hall was produced on Broadway in two parts: Wolf Hall and Bring Up the Bodies, where it was billed as one massive “theatrical event.” Although it did not win at the 2015 Tony Awards, it was critically well received and has since done wonders for the book sales of Ms. Mantel.
Show Information
- Book
- Mike Poulton
- Based on the Play/Book/Film
- Based on the novel Wolf Hall, by Hilary Mantel
- Category
- Play
- Age Guidance
- Thirteen Plus (PG-13)
- Number of Acts
- 4
- First Produced
- 2014
- Genres
- Historical/Biographical
- Settings
- Period, Unit/Single Set
- Time & Place
- england 1500-1535, tudor court
- Cast Size
- large
- Licensor
- Dramatists Play Service
- Ideal For
- Ensemble Cast, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Mostly Male Cast, Includes Young Adult, Adult, Mature Adult, Late Teen, Elderly Characters, Large Cast
Context
Plot
Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
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Lead |
Female |
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Cardinal Wolsey/ Sir John Seymour/ Sir William Kingston/ Archbishop Warham |
Lead |
Male |
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Lead |
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Male |
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Lead |
Male |
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Supporting |
Male |
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Supporting |
Female |
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Supporting |
Female |
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Supporting |
Male |
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Supporting |
Male |
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Supporting |
Male |
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Supporting |
Male |
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Supporting |
Male |
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Featured |
Male |
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Featured |
Female |
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Featured |
Male |
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Featured |
Male |
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Male |
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Featured |
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Featured |
Male |
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Featured |
Male |
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Songs
A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.
Monologues
Scenes
Key Terms
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Videos
Quizzes
Themes, Symbols & Motifs
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Quote Analysis
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