Duration: 2hrs 30mins, including one 15 minute interval.
"I can smile and murder while I smile."
Shakespeare's famous history play is presented in a thrilling modern interpretation.
At the end of the bloody Wars of the Roses between the rival Houses of Lancaster and York, the victorious Yorkists look forward to a period of peace under the newly-crowned Edward IV.
But Edward’s younger brother, Richard, Duke of Gloucester, has other ideas, wanting the throne for himself. To further his plans, he manipulates the noblewoman Lady Anne Neville to marry him, even though she knows that he murdered her first husband. Having had his brother George, Duke of Clarence, imprisoned in the Tower, Richard arranges his murder. Edward blames himself for the death and dies shortly after.
Edward leaves behind him two young sons, not old enough to rule. Richard is appointed Lord Protector of England, putting him in charge until the boys grow up. He orders the execution of powerful noblemen to protect his power, including Queen Elizabeth’s brother and eldest son. Richard spreads rumours that the princes are not true heirs because they are illegitimate, and Tyrrell is sent by Richard to murder them in the Tower.
As the people of England become increasingly fearful of Richard, his closest allies turn against him, and are executed. Meanwhile, the Lancastrian Earl of Richmond is raising forces in France. He arrives in England to challenge Richard on Bosworth Field. After fighting bravely, Richard is killed in battle by Richmond, who becomes King Henry VII. His marriage to Princess Elizabeth promises a new era of peace for England, uniting the Houses of York and Lancaster.
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At the Barn we are committed to promoting equality and challenging discrimination in all its forms. We strive to create a safe and inclusive environment for all members of the cast and creative team, regardless of their race, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or gender identity and will work to prevent any form of discrimination or harassment within our organisation.
Richard III
We acknowledge the historical context of the novel Richard III and its adaptations and are committed to ensuring that our production does not perpetuate harmful stereotypes or prejudices, while also aiming to preserve the original intentions of the author and afford ourselves space for creativeness and artistic interpretation and freedom. The playwright does not specify any casting characteristic such as race or gender as crucial to the narrative of the story. Our version will be performed by a mixed ensemble cast, and we welcome actors of all ages, ethnicities and genders to create a re-imagining that’s both respectful and authentic.
