'Richard II' (or 'The Life and Death of King Richard II') deserves to be performed and known much more than it is, neglect is something it really does not deserve. Personally do not find it lacking in depth and think it would be interesting for anybody interested in Shakespeare to study, its titular character and that it's told entirely in verse are reasons enough to give it a chance at least. It's not my favourite Shakespeare, but it is a long way from a waste of time.
This production kicks off the 'The Hollow Crown' series, which is a fascinating one made up of two seasons/cycles and seven Shakespeare adaptations (two though having two parts to them) with high production values and great casts. With this 'Richard II', what a way to start the series off. It is also a wonderful production of 'Richard II', that is a must for Shakespeare buffs and those wanting to see productions of lesser plays done justice. Also highly recommend the BBC Television Shakespeare, another fascinating though less even in quality series, production from 1978 with Derek Jacobi, one of the best productions from that series.
Others have already said what is so great about 'Richard II' and how all the components fare, and there is not much more to add. The sets and costumes are the very meaning of lavish, have not seen costumes for any Shakespeare production this lavish in a long time, and also love the authenticity of the sets and how it always looks as though there is a time and place. Even more impressive on the visual front is the photography, actually cannot believe that this is a film. With photography this varied, clever and beautiful, it could easily pass for one. The sense of time and place is also reflected in the music, which is placed well and isn't intrusive.
Shakespeare's text/verse is so poetic and full of emotional power. The staging never felt cluttered or static and there was some great attention to detail throughout, big and small. It even made me feel for the somewhat underwritten character of Isabella (played touchingly by Clemence Posey). Thanks to Rupert Goold, the story doesn't have a dull spot, spot on in timing and didn't have trouble following, which is a danger if one is not familiar with 'Richard II' because it has a lot to it.
Ben Whishaw is not taxed at all by this complex title role, it demands a lot of things and Whishaw brings out all of them in a way that's commanding and affecting. He is very well matched by especially Patrick Stewart's sincere and poignant John of Gaunt, David Suchet's authoritative York and particularly Rory Kinnear's understated Henry (remarkably nuanced when not saying a lot, do agree about his electrifying chemistry with Whishaw). Lindsay Duncan is powerful too, especially in the rescue of her son which will stay with one forever. Posey does what she can with Isabella. Oh, and who couldn't help love that monkey?
All in all, fantastic. 'Richard II' does not get much better. 10/10
This production kicks off the 'The Hollow Crown' series, which is a fascinating one made up of two seasons/cycles and seven Shakespeare adaptations (two though having two parts to them) with high production values and great casts. With this 'Richard II', what a way to start the series off. It is also a wonderful production of 'Richard II', that is a must for Shakespeare buffs and those wanting to see productions of lesser plays done justice. Also highly recommend the BBC Television Shakespeare, another fascinating though less even in quality series, production from 1978 with Derek Jacobi, one of the best productions from that series.
Others have already said what is so great about 'Richard II' and how all the components fare, and there is not much more to add. The sets and costumes are the very meaning of lavish, have not seen costumes for any Shakespeare production this lavish in a long time, and also love the authenticity of the sets and how it always looks as though there is a time and place. Even more impressive on the visual front is the photography, actually cannot believe that this is a film. With photography this varied, clever and beautiful, it could easily pass for one. The sense of time and place is also reflected in the music, which is placed well and isn't intrusive.
Shakespeare's text/verse is so poetic and full of emotional power. The staging never felt cluttered or static and there was some great attention to detail throughout, big and small. It even made me feel for the somewhat underwritten character of Isabella (played touchingly by Clemence Posey). Thanks to Rupert Goold, the story doesn't have a dull spot, spot on in timing and didn't have trouble following, which is a danger if one is not familiar with 'Richard II' because it has a lot to it.
Ben Whishaw is not taxed at all by this complex title role, it demands a lot of things and Whishaw brings out all of them in a way that's commanding and affecting. He is very well matched by especially Patrick Stewart's sincere and poignant John of Gaunt, David Suchet's authoritative York and particularly Rory Kinnear's understated Henry (remarkably nuanced when not saying a lot, do agree about his electrifying chemistry with Whishaw). Lindsay Duncan is powerful too, especially in the rescue of her son which will stay with one forever. Posey does what she can with Isabella. Oh, and who couldn't help love that monkey?
All in all, fantastic. 'Richard II' does not get much better. 10/10