Nicholas Hytner’s production is surprisingly lively and clearcut that keeps the audience enthralled from start to finish.
Flamboyant, charismatic and completely incapable of ruling a country are just a few of the thoughts that run through my mind watching Jonathan Bailey’s immensely enjoyable performance as Richard II that keeps the audience engaged as to how the story unfolds from start to finish.
Nicholas Hytner’s stripped back and effective production, perfectly captures just how relevant this story is in 2025 (not naming any world leaders here of course…) – a leader who has no comprehension of the damage he is causing his country in his decision making ability.
The whole production is filled with drama and passion that is thrilling to witness (the early scenes in which Thomas Mowbray and Henry Bolingbroke challenge each other is a powerful start), thanks to Bruno Poet’s atmospheric lighting design and Grant Olding’s increasingly intense score that enhances many scenes in a beautiful and subtle way. But equally, the way in which the production manages to draw out conflicting emotions towards Richard during the course of the show: from the callousness of the way in which he signs over John of Gaunt’s wealth to himself to create dislike of the character, to a sense of sympathy over his misguidedness as he is forced to renounce his throne is powerful yet compellingly staged.
This Richard II is nicely paced, picking it up in all the right places while still ensuring that the most powerful moments including the moment in which Richard II is stood facing artillery gun pointed at him by Bullingbrook or even the final shocking moments of the play that have a quiet stillness to them.
Meanwhile, Bob Crowley’s minimal set design, still has a sense of grandeur and sophistication to it that ensures the audience can keep up with the change of locations effortlessly. By this design, it ensures that the main focus os on the drama that is unfolding and being told by the cast.
While the play is billed as a tragedy, there are in this production flashes of unexpected humour thanks to Jonathan Bailey’s performance as the unpredictable Richard II – revealing many different aspects to the character that keeps his performance lively and unexpected. Bailey has completely immersed himself in the role to glorious effect – I would love to see what he would do with other leading Shakespearian characters as it is a really sparkling performance.
But he is surrounded by a strong cast – in particular Royce Pierreson as Henry Bullingbrook provides an impressive presence that really drives the story forward, while Phoenix Di Sebastiani offers a brisk and engaging performance. The whole cast deliver compelling performances that keep the audience enthralled.
Overall, by handling this play with a light and meaningful touch Nicholas Hytner has created a thrilling take of Richard II that stays in the mind after the show finishes.
By Emma Clarendon
Richard II continues to play at the Bridge Theatre until the 10th May 2025.
Rating: ❤️❤️❤️❤️