Richard II Tickets

Throughout history, numerous critically acclaimed actors have played the title role in Richard II. Notably, John Gieguld first played the role in 1929 at the Old Vic Theatre, and he reprised the role again in 1937 and 1953. His performance helped bring Richard II back into the theatre world after the show’s popularity decreased in the early twentieth century. Other actors who have played the role of the infamous king include Maurice Evans, Paul Scofield, Ian McKellen, Fiona Shaw, and David Tennant. Now, Critic Choice Award-winning actor Jonathan Bailey joins the long list of legendary actors who have played the role.

Richard II in London also boasts an award-winning creative team at its helm, including Olivier-winning lighting designer Bruno Poet (Frankenstein), Tony and Olivier-winning designer Bob Crowley (Mary Poppins, An American in Paris), Tony and Olivier-winning director Nicholas Hytner (The History of Boys, Carousel), and Emmy-winning casting director Robert Sterne (The Crown, Game of Thrones).

What to watch for

• There have been a variety of film adaptations of Richard II, including the 2003 television movie, Richard II, starring Mark Rylance.
• The first episode of the BBC television series The Hollow Crown was called Richard II; it was based on Shakespeare’s play and starred Ben Whishaw.
• In 1995, Fiona Shaw played the role of Richard II in the play at the National Theatre. Having a woman in the role caused quite a stir, as some loved it while others were wholly against it.
• It is hard to pinpoint precisely when Richard II was written, but on 29 August 1597, the bookseller Andrew Wise entered the play into the Register of the Stationers Company.