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Boudica
A brand-new ancient-history play in verse that tells the story of one of Britain's most iconic women: a queen, a warrior and a rebel.
AD 61, Britannia. On the furthest outreaches of the Roman Empire – at the very edge of the known world – rebellion is brewing.
The King of the Iceni has died and his widow, Boudica, has tried to claim her rightful throne. For her insolence in defying Rome, the queen has been flogged, her daughters have been raped, and they have been banished from their homeland. But now, Queen Boudica has returned. And this time she has an army.
She will have revenge. She will have blood. She will make Rome quake in fear.
AD 61, Britannia. On the furthest outreaches of the Roman Empire – at the very edge of the known world – rebellion is brewing.
The King of the Iceni has died and his widow, Boudica, has tried to claim her rightful throne. For her insolence in defying Rome, the queen has been flogged, her daughters have been raped, and they have been banished from their homeland. But now, Queen Boudica has returned. And this time she has an army.
She will have revenge. She will have blood. She will make Rome quake in fear.
130 pages, Paperback
First published September 7, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
November 24, 2017
Perfectly echoes other plays of this sort but with an epilogue that makes everything worth it. Not every woman needs to be a warrior, but if we’re looking for the warrior woman play, this is it.
January 13, 2019
What really attracted me to this play was an interview where Gina McKee spoke about how these roles (coarse, militaristic, violent, and crude) don’t usually appear for women. The story of Boudicca is one that I sort of knew, but it was nice to get a bit more in-depth with it.
The language was amazing in here. One of the greatest elements was that every group seemed to speak in a different way, from a more modern speech for the Romans to a fully classical approach for the gods, and something like a mix for the celts.
Characters were strong, and I actually found myself yelling at them from time to time, especially Alonna, although she definitely had a point.
On a whole, the commentary on purity of race and what it means to be from a certain area felt particularly prescient, given the circumstances we are living through today, so I’m glad I found this one when I did.
The language was amazing in here. One of the greatest elements was that every group seemed to speak in a different way, from a more modern speech for the Romans to a fully classical approach for the gods, and something like a mix for the celts.
Characters were strong, and I actually found myself yelling at them from time to time, especially Alonna, although she definitely had a point.
On a whole, the commentary on purity of race and what it means to be from a certain area felt particularly prescient, given the circumstances we are living through today, so I’m glad I found this one when I did.
May 22, 2025
I’ve read many plays over the years, but Boudica is by far my favorite. In a short span, it delivers incredibly rich, complex characters, especially Boudica herself, who is portrayed not just as a warrior queen, but as a grieving mother and a fierce, flawed human being.
What sets this play apart is its bold portrayal of violent women. Bernays doesn’t tame their rage, he honors it. Boudica and her daughters are raw, vengeful, and powerful, challenging traditional ideas of femininity and heroism.
What sets this play apart is its bold portrayal of violent women. Bernays doesn’t tame their rage, he honors it. Boudica and her daughters are raw, vengeful, and powerful, challenging traditional ideas of femininity and heroism.
June 14, 2021
Very good, first piece of classic plays I've read but it is still really good. I love the sibling relationship and how we see them tear apart slowly throughout the show is a genius bit of writing. But my question is BOUDICA FIGHTS IN SO MANY WARS BUT KILLS HERSELF WITH BERRIES! theres a much better way to go boudica.
Plus, Alonna and Silvia supremacy. The og cottage core lesbians
Plus, Alonna and Silvia supremacy. The og cottage core lesbians
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 17, 2021
I really loved this play. Bernays captured early Shakespeare wonderfully and I think this could sit comfortably somewhere between Titus Andronicus and Richard III. I wish more time was given to Boudica and her daughters earlier in the play, but there is little to complain about. This one is fun from beginning to end, even if it lacks some real standout soliloquies.
November 16, 2025
A vibrant, moving version of Boudica's story. I felt it lacked a little depth, but I imagine it would be amazing to watch.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews