New Black Comedy about Tudor Queens

Meet the Tudor Queens as you’ve never seen them before in Ladies Who Wait, a black comedy premiering at the Subiaco Arts Centre in August 2023.

It’s execution day for Anne Boleyn and she’s got some visitors. There’s Jane, the next woman lining up to marry Henry VIII, and her predecessor Catherine. Throw in her unlikely ladies in waiting, Alice and Agnes, and it’s a rather unconventional final morning for the soon-to-be-late Queen Anne…

Twenty-or-so years later, Catherine’s daughter Mary has ascended the throne and is pretty sure she’s in labour. With her sister Elizabeth on standby (in more ways than one), and another sectarian war erupting, can Agnes and Alice dodge the mess again?

Ladies Who Wait is a new black comedy written by award-winning Perth playwright Yvette Wall.

This (rarely) true story blends dark comedy with an infamous Tudor tale in a story of circumstance, cunning, courageous women - and sheer bastardry.

Originally a ten-minute play in the 2022 Short+Sweet Festival, Yvette was inspired to write Ladies Who Wait because of her empathy and admiration for brave Tudor women, and her disdain for Henry VIII’s acts of cruelty.

“I never expected this to be a dark comedy, but I feel it makes the tragic elements easier to process,” said Yvette.

“There is something very human and relatable about these women. They are fragile yet courageous, submissive yet rebellious. We can’t help but side with the queens who many thought should be silenced.”

Actress Emily Howe, playing Anne Boleyn in Ladies Who Wait, echoes this sentiment.

“I’m looking forward to bringing this strong and feisty woman to life in a way she’s never been seen before - in a context that is both hilarious and tragic.”

The play is directed by Gino Cataldo, who remarked that the company was working hard in early rehearsals to bring this story to life.

“There’s a great cohesion among the creative team as we work together behind the scenes to bring the story to life,” he said.

“I’m really looking forward to seeing how all of our hard work comes together, along with how the audience reacts to it all. When a production captures the attention of the audience and leaves a profound impact, it’s just an incredible feeling. So, I can’t wait to see it all unfold!”

Ladies Who Wait plays at 7.30pm on 15, 17, 18, 19, 20, 24, 25 and 26 August. Ticket pricing $30 preview (Tuesday 15 August), $39 standard, and $35 concession. Book at artsandculturetrust.wa.gov.au.