Globe Education Online

Richard II [Mark Rylance]. Photo: John Tramper.

In Britain, since William the Conqueror, the human and divine had met unbroke, undisputed in the person of the King.

Edward III had seven sons. His eldest died and his grandson, Richard, became the King: King Richard II.

But now, King Richard's uncle has been murdered. The King's associate has been accused. The King has exiled the accused - his cousin, Henry Bolingbroke, whose father, John of Gaunt, has died broken hearted.

And the Irish want their freedom, so the king has waged a war, To pay his soldiers, he's taken the estate of John of Gaunt, the inheritance of the exiled Henry Bolingbroke ...

Individual, family, country, and divine rule are shattered when Henry Bolingbroke demands a change of regime.

Creative Team

Master of Play: Tim Carroll
Master of Properties: Jenny Tiramani
Master of Historical Music: William Lyons
Master of Theatre Music: Claire van Kampen
Master of Fights: John Waller

Cast

Liam Brennan – Bolingbroke
Patrick Brennan – Bagot/Scroop/Welsh Captain/2nd Gardener
Michael Brown – Queen Isabel
Richard Glaves – Green
Gerald Kyd – Percy
John McEnery – Gaunt/Gardener
Terry McGinity – Mowbray
Chu Omambala – Aumerle
William Osborne – Bishop of Carlisle/Duchess of Gloucester
Mark Rylance – Richard II
Justin Shevlin – Bushy/Exton
Peter Shorey – Duchess of York
Bill Stewart – Duke of York
Patrick Toomey – Salisbury/Fitzwater
Albie Woodington – Northumberland  

Discover the Play

Discover the actors' experiences making the production in Adopt An Actor:

Chu Omambala as Aumerle
John McEnery as John of Gaunt
Liam Brennan as Henry Bolingbroke
Peter Shorey as Duchess of York

Richard II was performed in 2003, as part of the Season of Regime Change.