Today we have an interview with Jo Carrick, the writer and director of the play Fallen in Love: The Secret Heart of Anne Boleyn which is being performed at the Tower of London and Gippeswyk Hall in May and June. I’m going to see it at the Tower on 19th May and I’m very excited about it!
Why did you write Fallen in Love
I have always been fascinated by Anne Boleyn. Just outside Ipswich Erwarton Church is rumoured to have her heart buried in one of its walls and I was taken there often as a child and told the story of her life and death. Also I had a school friend who lived at Erwarton hall, which is reputed to be haunted by Anne’s ghost, so her story has been part of my life for a very long time. I’m passionate about bringing the past to life in a way which creates empathy across the ages and believe that this story is a great choice for this style of dramatisation.
What is the play about?
Fallen in Love is about the relationship between Anne and her brother George. It traces their history from the Field of the cloth of Gold, when they were still teenagers until their deaths in 1536. It explores the complexity of their devotion to each other and the reasons for their ambition and why they were finally accused and convicted of having an incestuous relationship.
Why are you touring again?
The first time the play was performed, in a Yurt at our headquarters at Gippeswyk Hall, the reaction from the audience was overwhelming. We also gained great support from Alison Weir, who praised it for its historical integrity as well as for being a powerful piece of drama and mentioned the play to The Chief executive of Historic Royal Palaces. We feel the play has a lot more to give and would like the play to continue to be widely seen, both in the U. K. and hopefully abroad too.
How is it different this time around?
I have a new cast, so the entire rehearsal process is fresh and new. I have a very collaborative approach to rehearsals and it is important that the actors really take possession of the characters. I think it’s going to be a little more steamy and intense this time around…I’m very excited about the way it’s going.
What’s so great about being at the Tower of London?
It’s AMAZING! To be so close to the spot where Anne died and where she staid before her Coronation is such a great opportunity for making the experience so much more than seeing a powerful play. I think it will be an unforgettable experience for the audience and the creative team alike.
How would you define the nature of Anne and George’s relationship?
Intense! There is a great love and a great affinity between them. They have loads in common and are bonded together in a perfect trust. Just how intense their relationship was, is of course a subject of great debate…and a good reason to see the play.
How important is historical accuracy to you?
Absolutely vital. I’ve made every effort to include only facts that have been proven through primary sources and only to speculate where my ideas do not contradict known facts. For example, in the play it is George who gives Anne the famous “B” necklace. The facts really are more interesting than fiction in this fascinating story.
Why should people come to see Fallen in Love at the Tower?
To experience an intense, deeply tragic but uplifting story brought to life in the most evocative setting. The actors are wonderful…you’ll never forget it and you won’t regret it.
You can find out more and book tickets at http://falleninlove2013.blogspot.co.uk/ or http://www.redrosechain.com/catalogue
Oh, I’d love to see this–I hope it comes to the US! Thanks, Claire!
Anne,I too would love to see this it would be great if it does come to the states,why not,or make another great movie from the play! We need another really good Factual movie made about HenryV111 and Queen Anne.With a good script and seasoned ACTORS. Kind Regards Baroness x
Anne and Baroness, I join you on this. How I would love to see this play in the US. What must be done to convince Ms. Carrick to consider crossing the pond?
I agree, I would love to see this, a movie version would be great too.
star5000,Maybe we can talk her into a movie version that would be FAB!! Baroness x
I saw the play at Gippeswyk Hall in May 2011 and it was great! I loved it! I wish that I had the opportunity to see it at the Tower, but unfortunately I’m not coming to London in May of this year. Hopefully it will be held at the Tower on the anniversary of Anne’s execution in years to come.
It sounds wonderful Jo, any chance you may venture to Scotland with your play,, we are starved of historical plays such as these up here..
Though I did travel to Edinburg last year to see ‘Anne Boleyn’ by Mr. Brenton I enjoyed it, it was humourous and had a different perception to the story, but I would love to see a more ‘truer’ account of the events though.
It will be very atmospheric being performed in the Tower. You may have a few unpaying, invisable guests looking on !! 🙂
Dawn1st,Do you mean perhapes a gost or two??? That would be excellent!!1
Yes I did Baroness 🙂
Dawn1st,I’d love to meant up with a gost like Anne or Katherine Parr and Anne of Cleves really all of them,just think what they would have to say! But I don’t think I’d want Q’Anne and Q’Jane in the same room ,could be a cat fight in a gostly way.Really want another good movie made on Henry and Anne not like TOBG! Kind Regards Baroness x
It sounds like a great show — sadly, as I’m in the PNW I’m unlikely to see it anytime soon. Is the play published? I’d like to read it if I can’t see it.
Hi All!
Thank you so much for your kind words, Jo is incredibly flattered by the response and is very excited about the opening night of the production next week!
We’re keen to promote the show as much as possible and reach as many people as we can, and are thus looking for any help anyone can give in spreading the word both nationally and itnernationally, and with any luck we can do this!
If anyone knows any groups of people, societies, conventions or even family and friends that may be interested in the production, please e-mail me on assistant@redrosechain.com and I can pass the message on to them. Similarly if you would like more information just get in touch and I can e-mail you any necessary things.
What we’d also like to do is to offer you a 10% discount on tickets, by quoting ‘Boleyn’ on ringing the box office for performances at either Ipswich or The Tower of London when you book.
Thank you all, and we look forward to seeing or hearing from you!
The Red Rose Chain Team!
Thanks everyone for your comments. I would absolutely LOVE to bring Fallen in Love to the U.S. Do let me know if you have suggestions for venues or producing partners.
The script will be published shortly as the programme for the play and will be available to purchase through the website at http://www.redrosechain.com. I’m also very excited to tell you that Alison Weir has written a brand new piece to accompany the play, about Anne Boleyn in drama.
I hope to meet many of you soon at the Tower of London.
Jo
(Carrick)