Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light - Mark Rylance, Damian Lewis, cast and creatives on returning after ten years for an unforgettable final act
A decade on from its first electrifying performance, Hilary Mantel's award-winning Wolf Hall trilogy comes to an unforgettable conclusion with the RSC's production of The Mirror and the Light.
Mark Rylance and Damian Lewis reprise their Olivier Award-winning roles in this epic saga, spanning ten years and the final months of Thomas Cromwell's life.
Returning to the RSC for the first time since 2013, Mark Rylance and Damian Lewis lead a dazzling cast in this extraordinary theatrical event. The production marks the culmination of their collaboration on Hilary Mantel's Wolf Hall trilogy, which has taken the world by storm.
In The Mirror and the Light, we witness the final chapter of Cromwell's remarkable journey. As Henry VIII's right-hand man, Cromwell has risen from humble beginnings to become one of the most powerful men in England. But his position is precarious, and his enemies are closing in.
Haunted by his past and the weight of his actions, Cromwell must navigate a treacherous path fraught with political intrigue and personal danger. The stakes are high, and the consequences of failure are dire.
The Mirror and the Light is a gripping and moving tale of power, ambition, and the human cost of political turmoil. It is a story that resonates with us today, as we grapple with similar challenges in our own world.
The RSC's production of The Mirror and the Light is a must-see for anyone interested in history, politics, or simply great theater. With its stellar cast, stunning costumes, and evocative sets, this production is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Mark Rylance on returning to the role of Thomas Cromwell
"It's a great privilege to be back playing Thomas Cromwell," says Mark Rylance. "He's such a complex and fascinating character, and I'm really excited to explore the final chapter of his story."
"This play is about the cost of power, and the human cost of political turmoil," continues Rylance. "It's a story that resonates with us today, and I think it's important to tell it."
Damian Lewis on returning to the role of Henry VIII
"I'm thrilled to be back playing Henry VIII," says Damian Lewis. "He's such a larger-than-life character, and it's always a challenge to bring him to life."
"This play is about the relationship between Henry and Cromwell," continues Lewis. "It's a complex and fascinating relationship, and I think it's one of the most interesting in history."
The cast and creatives on the RSC's production of The Mirror and the Light
The RSC's production of The Mirror and the Light features a stellar cast, including:
- Mark Rylance as Thomas Cromwell
- Damian Lewis as Henry VIII
- Ben Miles as the Duke of Norfolk
- Lydia Leonard as Anne Boleyn
- Nathaniel Parker as Cardinal Wolsey
The production is directed by Jeremy Herrin, with set and costume design by Christopher Oram, and lighting design by Neil Austin.
The Wolf Hall trilogy
The Wolf Hall trilogy is a historical fiction series by Hilary Mantel. The first book, Wolf Hall, was published in 2009 and won the Man Booker Prize. The second book, Bring Up the Bodies, was published in 2012 and also won the Man Booker Prize.
The Mirror and the Light, the third and final book in the trilogy, was published in 2020. It was shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize and won the Goldsmiths Prize.
The Wolf Hall trilogy has been praised for its vivid characters, its rich historical detail, and its insightful exploration of power and politics.
