Review: RICHARD III, RSC Stratford-upon-Avon

Photo credit: Ellie Kurttz

With the stage steeped in red light, the audience can only anticipate the bloodshed that Richard III is about to cause.

The Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford’s latest production stars Arthur Hughes in the title role. He is oddly charming and equally unscrupulous as a human being, having no interest in anyone except himself. Hughes delivers Shakespeare’s text in perfectly accented sarcasm and despite his obvious narcissist and amoral beliefs, manages to raise a few smiles from the audience.

Using the chaos of the War of the Roses, a young Richard of Gloucester begins his campaign to gain the crown. How much blood shed is he willing to make along the way? Turns out quite a lot! Nothing and no-one will stop him in his plan for power.

Directed by Gregory Doran, Richard III is a surprisingly comic analysis of the exercise of power and is as relevant today as when it was written. It reminds us what extremes can happen if a person’s behaviour goes unchecked.

This production sees an immensely talented cast, with special mention also going to Claire Benedict as Duchess of York, incorporating the turmoil of grief and disgust at her son’s behaviour. Minnie Gale as Margaret, the widow who has become mad with grief and revenge and deals with her anger by placing curses upon everyone until they believe what Richard is capable of, and Conor Glean as Murderer 2, one half of the comic duo, who have some well delivered, funny lines and actually have the audience sympathetic to their cause.

It is a highly entertaining production, with faultless design by Stephen Brimson Lewis and lighting by Matt Daw. A must-see production for everyone who appreciates history, Shakespeare and magnificent story telling.

Gruesome, candid and unexpectedly charming.

***** Five stars

Reviewed by: Rachel Louise Martin

Richard III plays at the RSC, Stratford-Upon-Avon until 8 October, with tickets available here.