Almeida For Free: 1536
Free events exclusively for 25s & under
Event details
Thu 22 May 2025
On Thu 22 May, we will be holding free events and a free performance of 1536 exclusively for those aged 25 and under. Scroll down for more information on each event.
Tickets for all events go on sale on Thu 15 May at 5pm.
All events as part of Almeida For Free are free and exclusive to audiences aged 25 and under.
If you have any access requirements or needs we should be aware of, please let us know by emailing participate@almeida.co.uk or calling 020 7288 4917.
1536 For free Performance
This free performance is exclusively for those aged 25 and under
Thu 22 May 7.30pm
Read more about our production guidance and warnings>
Kings don’t kill their wives alright? It’s not – it just don’t happen. It doesn’t.
Tudor England. A field in Essex.
Three women hurry to their childhood meeting place, thirsty for gossip from London.
Word spreads of a clash between King Henry VIII and his Queen, Anne Boleyn. And closer to home, another rumour threatens to catch fire.
As these women realise the parallels between their ordinary, rural lives and the royal drama taking place at a distance, they are faced with several choices, all of which end in violence.
Written as part of the Genesis Almeida New Playwrights, Big Plays Programme, Ava Pickett’s 1536 was the winner of the 2024 Susan Smith Blackburn Prize, and was commended by The George Devine Award for its “sparkling dialogue and savage undercurrent”. Lyndsey Turner (Chimerica) directs Liv Hill (Alma Mater, Three Girls), Siena Kelly (Adult Material, Domino Day) and Tanya Reynolds (A Mirror, Sex Education) in this fiendishly smart and funny new play which asks whether female solidarity can survive in a world where barbarism and misogyny are state sanctioned.
Please note tickets are limited to two per booker for Almeida For Free: 1536. Any booked over this number will be returned. This policy is in effect to discourage and prevent unfair ticket buying practices. Proof of age must be brought to the performance for each ticketholder.
We have a limited amount of extra tickets available for youth groups who would like to attend. Please contact participate@almeida.co.uk if you would like to request tickets for your group.
Access
This performance will be captioned. To book with a clear view of the captions, a wheelchair space, or a reserved seat, Deaf and disabled patrons and a companion can contact the Box Office for support before tickets go on sale on 020 7359 4404 or email boxoffice@almeida.co.uk.
Talkback
After the performance there will be a post-show talk with members of the company. Free to same-day ticket holders.
You can find the full production information about 1536 here>
Writing Workshop with Ava Pickett
Thu 22 May 11am (approx. 2 hours)
Location: Almeida Theatre Auditorium and Bar
Tickets are limited to one per person.
Beyond writing for theatre, Ava also has extensive experience in film and television. She was a staff writer on season three of The Great (Hulu/ Channel 4) where she co-wrote two episodes with showrunner Tony McNamara, and has written on shows including Brassic (Sky/ Calamity), Ten Pound Poms (Eleven/ BBC) and The Buccaneers (Apple TV).
This workshop will be led by Ava and will introduce you to her writing process and career. It will involve creative writing exercises as well as an introduction to pitching, period drama, and adaptation.
It is suitable for anyone with an interest in writing – no experience is necessary.
Drink ‘n’ Draft with Sarvat Hasin
Thu 22 May 2pm (approx. 2 hours)
Location: Almeida Theatre Bar
Tickets are limited to one per person.
Step into the supportive and creative environment of our Theatre Bar, where Almeida Deputy Literary Manager Sarvat Hasin will help you get stuck into your writing with some creative prompts linked to Ava Pickett’s new play, 1536.
Let loose and get working on the script that’s been sitting in your notes app for far too long!
Attending the For Free performance of 1536? Get 20% off drinks at the bar by showing your ticket.
This workshop is suitable for anyone with an interest in writing – no experience is necessary.
If places are full, please email participate@almeida.co.uk with the subject: ‘Writing Workshop – Ava Pickett’ or ‘Drink ‘N’ Draft’ to be put on the waiting list.
The Almeida is committed to supporting participants with Access Requirements. You can contact our box office before tickets go on sale to make an enquiry about the workshops. Please call 020 7359 4404 or contact access@almeida.co.uk.
If there is anything you would like to let us know that will support you during the workshops, you can do so by emailing us at participate@almeida.co.uk.
