Richard III (2003)

Richard III [Kathryn Hunter]. Photo: Donald Cooper

directed by Kathryn Hunter

Since Richard II's abdication and Henry Bolingbroke's enthronement, civil war has raged between the Houses of York and Lancaster. Following King Edward IV's death, his young son is crowned King Edward V, with Richard, Duke of Gloucester, as his Protector.

But now, the Protector's associates have accused Edward Iv of illegitimacy, imprisoned Edward v in the Tower, and implored the humble and reluctant protector to become Richard III.

Privately, however, it is rumoured that Richard's rise may not be as acciental as it seems. The Duke of Clarence's murder, officially blamed on Edward IV's wife, has resulted in a spate of revenge killings, all of them commanded by Richard and his associates.

Who killed the Duke of Clarence? Was Richard really so reluctant to ascend the throne? Where is the evidence of Edward I's illegitimacy? Who has heard from the political prisoners in the Tower? When tyrannical powers take hold of a state, who dares change the regime?

Creative Team

Master of Play - Barry Kyle
Masters of Clothing - Jenny Tiramani, Luca Costigliolo
Master of Properties and Hangings - Jenny Tiramani
Master of Historical Music - Keith McGowan
Master of Theatre Music - Claire van Kampen
Master of Singing - Belinda Sykes
Master of Dance - Sian Williams
Masters of Fights - John Waller, Jonathan Waller
Master of the Words - Giles Block
Master of Movement - Glynn MacDonald
Master of Voice - Stewart Pearce
Assistant to Master of Play - Abigail Anderson
Instrumental Arrangements and Research - Keith McGowan

Cast

Linda Bassett - Queen Margaret/Messenger/Ghost of Henry VI
Penelope Beaumont - Lord Stanley
Louise Bush - Sir Robert Brakenbury/LordGrey/Earl of Richmond
Penelope Dimond - Guard/Duchess of York/Sir James Blunt
Amanda Harris - Buckingham
Liza Hayden - Murderer 2/Sir Richard Ratcliffe/Richard, Duke of York
Anna Healy - Lord Hastings/Messenger/Earl of Surrey
Kathryn Hunter - Richard III
Liz Kettle - Edward IV/Bishop of Ely
Meredith MacNeill - Lady Anne/Young Elizabeth
Jules Melvin - Anthony Woodville, Lord Rivers/Sir James Tyrell
Ann Ogbomo - Scrivener/Messenger/Duke of Norfolk Murderer 1/Sir William Catesby
Laura Rogers - Jane Shore/Marquess of Dorset/Edward, Prince of Wales
Rachel Sanders - Duke of Clarence/Executioner/Lord Mayor/Sir William Brandon
Yolanda Vazquez - Queen Elizabeth