John Haidar will direct Tom Mothersdale as Shakespeare’s most notorious and complex villain, Richard III. This inventive new staging is a co-production between Headlong, Alexandra Palace and Bristol Old Vic, with Royal & Derngate Northampton and Oxford Playhouse.
After decades of civil war, the nation hangs in the balance. Enter Richard, Duke of Gloucester, to change the course of history. Richard was not born to be a king, but he’s set his sights on the crown. So begins his campaign of deceit, manipulation and violence – and he’s killing it.
Yet, behind his ambition lies a murderous desire to be loved.
The innovative staging is matched by an innovative co-producing model which sees Richard III open at the recently redeveloped Bristol Old Vic before transferring to London’s newly restored Alexandra Palace, which has been closed to the public for 80 years. Following the completion of its three-year East Wing Restoration Project, Richard III will be Alexandra Palace’s first ever co-production. It will then return to Bristol for a further two full playing weeks before travelling to Home in Manchester, Oxford Playhouse and Royal & Derngate Northampton.
Full casting will be announced shortly.
Richard III will play Friday 1 March to Saturday 9 March 2019 at Bristol Old Vic and Wednesday 13 March to Sunday 31st March 2019 at Alexandra Palace Theatre.
