Lady Jane Grey at Oldbury Rep
History comes alive at Oldbury Rep with Paul Steventon-Marks’ gripping production of Lady Jane Grey. For those whose knowledge of this ill-fated queen is limited to a mere footnote in Tudor history, this play is both an education and a masterclass in theatrical storytelling. The production explores Jane’s forced rise to power and her tragic downfall with a perfect balance of historical intrigue and emotional depth. To quote the play, “We are Tudors! We dress magnificently, rule ferociously, and die… messily!” And indeed, this play delivers all three in spectacular fashion.
Steventon-Marks has reworked his play to align with modern thinking on Jane’s story, and the result is a thrilling narrative filled with political machinations, shifting alliances, and the weight of destiny pressing down on Lady Jane. The intimate studio theatre setting enhances the experience, making the audience feel as though they are stepping into the very corridors of Tudor power. The use of theatre-in-the-round ensures that every glance, whisper, and confrontation is intensely felt, bringing the audience closer to the action and immersing them in the drama.
The production’s attention to detail is outstanding. The evocative sound design and atmospheric lighting transport us directly into the heart of 16th-century England, while the period-accurate costumes and makeup elevate the experience to a visual spectacle worthy of the Tudor court itself.
A Stellar Cast
At the heart of this production is Mariel Oliver’s breathtaking portrayal of Lady Jane Grey. She inhabits the role with grace, intelligence, and emotional weight, capturing Jane’s youthful innocence while also conveying her steely resolve in the face of manipulation and betrayal. Her ability to balance vulnerability with inner strength makes her performance truly captivating.
Jonas Woodward gives a gripping performance as Gilford Dudley, Jane’s ill-fated husband. He masterfully portrays a man caught between privilege and powerlessness, shifting from total arrogance to desperation as the reality of their doomed fate sets in. His blood curdling screams, just behind the chair where I was sitting, will stay with me for many months to come.
Carol Deakin, as the Duchess of Suffolk, commands the stage with regal authority, giving a superb nuanced performance, which allows us to see the layers of the woman. One with vicious ambition and maternal love, her final moments with Jane proving to be some of the most emotionally charged of the play.
Sue Portsmouth as Lady Somerset was a revelation, delivering a masterclass in manipulation. She brings a chilling elegance to the role, her every word laced with cunning and control. The presence of Lady Somerset in Jane’s story was new to me, but Sue makes it feel essential, adding fresh intrigue to this historical drama. Her every word laced with power and intrigue, I for one wouldn’t drink anything she gave me.
Paul Steventon-Marks himself takes on the formidable role of the Duke of Northumberland, a man whose political ambition knows no bounds. He plays him with a shrewd cunning, expertly balancing the character’s ruthless power plays with flashes of paternal concern. His performance is a masterful blend of intellect, intimidation, and occasional glimpses of regret, making him a truly fascinating antagonist. Steventon-Marks commands the stage whenever he appears, making Northumberland’s downfall all the more satisfying.
Steve Palmer brings gravitas to the role of Feckenham, the priest tasked with leading Jane to her fate. He is in many ways the moral compass of the piece, and Steve delivers his lines with a solemn weight that underscores the tragic inevitability of the story. His scenes with Lady Jane are filled with poignancy, adding another layer of depth to her final days.
Meanwhile, Josh Plimmer portrayal of the ailing monarch is both delicate and powerful, as he conveys the inner turmoil of a boy-king whose brief reign unknowingly seals the fates of those around him. Plimmer’s Edward is frail but not weak, he shouts and spits his defiance and his performance adds an extra dimension to the tragedy that unfolds. Josh also wheels a vicious axe when needed, unless I’m mistaken.
Final Thoughts
This production of Lady Jane Grey is a triumph. It combines a powerful script with an extraordinary cast, all brought together under a creative team that understands how to make history feel urgent and alive. Whether you’re a Tudor enthusiast or simply a lover of great theatre, this is a show that should not be missed. Oldbury Rep has once again proven that it can deliver drama at its finest—magnificent, ferocious, and, yes, messily unforgettable.
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