The Tragedy of King Richard the Second

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.

The Tragedy of King Richard the Second was broadcast live  to cinemas in the UK and internationally, in partnership with National Theatre Live on Tuesday 15 January 2019.