2 pm | $12/$10 members | 2.5 hrs
Simon Russell Beale plays William Shakespeare’s Richard II, broadcast live from the stage of the Almeida Theatre in London to cinemas.
This visceral new production about the limits of power will be directed by Joe Hill-Gibbins, whose previous plays include Little Revolution at the Almeida and Absolute Hell at the National Theatre.
Richard II, King of England, is irresponsible, foolish and vain. His weak leadership sends his kingdom into disarray and his court into uproar. Seeing no other option but to seize power, the ambitious Bolingbroke challenges the throne and the king’s divine right to rule.
Simon Russell Beale returns to National Theatre Live screens following broadcasts of Timon of Athens and King Lear, and his recent role in the National Theatre’s critically acclaimed production of The Lehman Trilogy.
“Simon Russell Beale proves himself our foremost Shakespearean actor”
Independent“Few do quiet, eloquent despair as well as Mr Russell Beale”
Daily Mail
PRODUCTION INFORMATION
King. The male ruler of an independent state; one who inherits the position by right of birth.
King of the castle. A children’s game in which each child attempts to stand alone on a mound, or sandcastle, by pushing other children off it.
Olivier Award-winner Simon Russell Beale takes the title role in Shakespeare’s play about the limits of power.
King Richard II is arrogant, reckless and vain. His weak leadership sends his kingdom into disarray and his court into uproar. Disinherited and exiled from the kingdom, the ambitious Bolingbroke challenges the throne and the king’s divine right to rule.
This visceral new production is directed by Joe Hill-Gibbins, whose previous productions include Little Revolution at the Almeida, A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the Young Vic and Absolute Hell at the National Theatre.
Cast features Simon Russell Beale, Leo Bill, Martins Imhangbe, Natalie Klamar, John Mackay, Joseph Mydell, Saskia Reeves and Robin Weaver.