THE MIRROR AND THE LIGHT set for West End run from September 2021

Photo credit: Keith Pattison

Dame Hilary Mantel’s third and final novel in her Wolf Hall trilogy, The Mirror and the Light, has been adapted for the West End stage and will enjoy a limited run at the Gielgud Theatre from 23 September-28 November 2021.

The play surrounds the rise and fall of Thomas Cromwell and has been commissioned/developed for the stage by Playful Productions, in a co-production with the RSC.

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 Mirror and the Light has been adapted for stage by Mantel herself with Ben Miles, who will return to his role as Cromwell to complete the trilogy, and Nathaniel Parker will reprise his Olivier Award-winning and Tony Award nominated role as Henry VIII.

Olivier Award-nominated Jeremy Herrin returns to direct, with set and costumes by Olivier and Tony Award winning designer Christopher Oram 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." 

Gregory Doran, RSC Artistic Director said: “We are thrilled to be opening the final part in the Wolf Hall trilogy this autumn working alongside Playful Productions, and with Hilary Mantel and Ben Miles on the fantastic adaptation. Wolf Hall and Bring up the Bodies were welcomed with extraordinary enthusiasm and excitement back in 2014 and audiences have waited patiently to see the third and final part.  It’s a much anticipated theatrical climax to an epic and ambitious work, and we can’t wait to open and share it with audiences in the West End this year”.  

Tickets go on sale on Thursday 27th May, with priority booking available from 24 May here.