Antic Disposition have confirmed that they will be presenting a new adaptation of Shakespeare’s Richard III in six of England’s historic cathedrals.
Touring from the 14th to the 28th July, before a London run at the Temple Church from the 22nd August, Antic Disposition’s new production will visit six historic cathedrals on its tour.
This will include two performances in Leicester Cathedral – the first production of Shakespeare’s play to be performed in the building since the king’s remains were discovered buried under a nearby car park and reinterred in the Cathedral in 2015. The production will also then visit Ely, Peterborough, Gloucester, Bristol and Salisbury Cathedrals.
The Wars of the Roses are over and King Edward IV rules England. But his brother, Richard, is in no mood to celebrate. With murder, deceit and dark humour as his weapons, Richard overcomes friends and foes alike to seize the crown. But as the body count rises, he soon learns that a throne founded on blood offers little security.
Directed by Ben Horslen and John Risebero, the production will conclude at the Temple Church in London for a run of fifteen performances, between 22nd August and the 9th September.
Talking about the production, the directors said: “The historical Richard had his reputation trashed by his Tudor successors, and Shakespeare’s play is packed with ‘alternative facts’ designed to portray the king as a villain. By bringing our production to Leicester Cathedral, the king’s final resting place, we hope to entertain the audience with Shakespeare’s version of his story, while encouraging them to look beyond it at the more nuanced assessment of Richard that is now emerging.”
While casting for the production has yet to be announced, Antic Disposition’s production will feature designs by John Risebero, composer James Burrows and lighting by Tom Boucher.
For more information about the production visit: http://www.anticdisposition.co.uk/richard-iii-2017.html