REVIEW: RICHARD II @ BRIDGE THEATRE

🎭 Richard II

📍 Bridge Theatre, 3 Potters Fields Park, London, SE1 2SG

🗓 Saturday 8th March 2025

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

AN OUTSTANDING THEATRICAL EXPERIENCE

RICHARD II is a notable historical play written by William Shakespeare, and focuses on the last two years of Richard's turbulent life. The play has been given new life in a thrilling production at London's Bridge Theatre.

It is a Shakespeare play that I was not familiar with, so was viewing it blind. I'm not ashamed to admit that I can sometimes struggle with Shakespeare when it is not a play I know, but this was not the case with RICHARD II. The gripping story has s strong opening which immediately captivates the audience and the drama never lets up.

Performed on a thrust stage with the audience surrounding the performance space, the direction from Nicholas Hytner is exquisite. Together with Movement Director James Cousins he not only filled the performance space beautifully but has ensured that no matter where you're sitting, you never feel like you're missing anything.

The stage itself was made up of a series of sections which lowered independently, allowing props to be set up out of sight of the audience and ensuring smooth scene transitions. The technical aspects of this production are fantastic and the lighting design by Bruno Poet is exceptional. Not only does it shield and aid the scene transitions but also enhances the on stage action, as does the sound design by Carolyn Downing.

The music composed by Grant Olding perfectly reflected and garnished the emotions of the scenes playing out in front of us, making it reminiscent of an epic Netflix series. Quite often the piece felt very modern and relevant, whilst also staying true to the original text and is an absolute masterpiece of artistry by the creative team.

The acting on display here was absolutely outstanding. The company is led by Jonathan Bailey as the titular Richard II. There are many ways that this tyrannical monarch could be portrayed and Bailey's interpretation surely has to be the definitive one. He gives a dazzling performance which is majestic and firm whilst also being comically charismatic. We see his mental state decline as he goes from ruthless dictator to a shadow of his former self, looking to the audience and almost begging for acceptance. His face says more than words ever could as he completely embodies and lives the role. Towards the end you begin to question why you are laughing, because the character is so obviously struggling. As Richard II Bailey gives a masterclass in acting and he deserves to win multiple awards for his breathtaking performance.

Another standout performance came from Royce Pierreson who was utterly compelling as Henry Bullingbrook. As we followed his journey from accused to exhiled, warmonger and finally King, he wonderfully drew you in to his transitions and commanded your attention whenever he was on the stage. Playing beautifully alongside Bailey, this is a dynamite duo who fight for your affection and leave the audience rooting for both of them.

As an entirety, this is one of the strongest casts I have seen in a long time. With not a weak link amongst them they all put in a fantastic performance. This story is quite heavy and is very long and wordy, but this cast and creative team have managed to make the content easy to consume in a way that makes it accessible to all.

RICHARD II plays at the Bridge Theatre until Saturday 10th May 2025 and is not to be missed. It is a strong contender for play of the year and if you get a chance to see it then grab it with both hands. This is theatre at its most excellent and you won't be disappointed.

Neill Kovacic-Clarke

All views are my own and I pride myself on being honest, fair and free from influence. Theatre is subjective and it is important to remember that all views expressed are just those of one person.

CAST LIST:

Jonathan Bailey as Richard II; Olivia Popica as Queen Isabel; Nick Sampson as John of Gaunt; Michael Simkins as Duke of York; Royce Pierreson as Henry Bullingbrook; Vinnie Heaven as Duke of Aumerle; Amanda Root as Duches of York/Green; Gerard Monaco as Scroop/Keeper; Jordan Kouamé as Bushy/Percy; Adam Best as Bagot; Badria Timimi as Bishop of Carlisle; Phoenix Di Sebastiani as Thomas Mowbray/Groom; Christopher Osikanlu Colquhoun as Earl of Northumberland; Seamus Dillane as Duke of Surrey; George Taylor as Lord Fitzwater; Emma Bown as Ensemble; Stephan Boyce as Ensemble; Martin Carroll as Ensemble

RUNNING TIME (approx):

2 hourS 40 minutes, including interval

CONTENT WARNINGS:

Self harm; Violence; Death; Drug use; Firearms; Gunshots