Richard II play: What you need to know about this thrilling Shakespeare revival and how to find your tickets
What is Richard II about?
The King believes he has a divine right to rule, but is he really up to the task? That's the compelling question at the heart of this battle for supremacy. However, since this particular Shakespeare isn't staged that often, it's well worth brushing up on a synopsis of Richard II play ahead of your trip to the Bridge Theatre.
This is the Bard's loosely historical account of the downfall of the late-14th-century English king Richard II. The story begins towards the end of his reign, when he banishes his cousin Henry Bolingbroke and angers the nobility (including his uncles John of Gaunt and the Duke of York) by seizing land and raiding their coffers to fund his war in Ireland.
Bolingbroke leads a rebellion against Richard, dividing the kingdom – and his family. The Duke of York reluctantly sides with Bolingbroke. During a crucial public ceremony, a defeated Richard renounces the crown. However, there is one more twist in this riveting drama.
The sleek, modern-dress, fast-paced thriller of a revival at the Bridge Theatre, directed by Nicholas Hytner, features a charismatic performance from Jonathan Bailey – star of TV series Bridgerton and the Wicked movie. It turns this history play into a drama of the moment: Shakespeare by way of Succession.
How to buy tickets for Richard II
You can find seats for the London production of Richard II on Telegraph Tickets. Check the site for the latest prices.
The cast
Richard II is a fantastic role, simultaneously grand, petty, indecisive, self-pitying and philosophical. He has previously been played by John Gielgud, Ian McKellen, David Tennant, Eddie Redmayne, and Ben Whishaw, and now it is the turn of Jonathan Bailey.
Bailey is on a career high, playing romantic leading men in period drama Bridgerton and movie-musical Wicked. He also won an Olivier Award for his stage performance in Sondheim musical Company, and starred in West End drama Cock.
He's joined by an impressive company for Richard II, including Royce Pierreson as Bolingbroke, Michael Simkins as the Duke of York, and Clive Wood as John of Gaunt – who gets the memorable speech about 'this blessed plot, this earth, this realm, this England.'
Richard II is directed by Nicholas Hytner, former artistic director of the National Theatre and now head of the Bridge Theatre. His previous work includes The History Boys, One Man, Two Guvnors, and Guys and Dolls.
The details
Where is Richard II playing?
Richard II runs at the Bridge Theatre, which is in Potters Fields Park, right beside Tower Bridge in south-east London, and within walking distance of London Bridge station.
What is the running time of Richard II?
The running time of Richard II is 2 hours and 40 minutes, with a 20-minute interval.
How long is Richard II running for?
Richard II is currently booking to May 10, 2025.
What is the minimum age for Richard II?
The age recommendation for Richard II is 12+.
Does Richard II have accessible tickets?
Yes, the show has captioned and audio-described performances scheduled. Find more information on the theatre website.
The review
'Jonathan Bailey turns Shakespeare's anti-hero into a coke-snorting pin-up... There's ingenious use of the stage's hidden depths, conjuring boardrooms and intimations of hell pits.' Read the full Telegraph review.
FAQs
How long is Richard II play?
Shakespeare's Richard II is a history play written in five acts. However it's a lightning-fast story, covering just two pivotal years in Richard's life: 1398-1400. The Bridge Theatre production is fast and exciting, packing all of the action into a 2 hour, 40-minute run time, including an interval.
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