About the Show

Jonathan Bailey stars in Shakespeare's tragedy about a momentous struggle in English history.

Richard II, charismatic and eloquent, is loved by his friends but a disastrous king—dishonest, capricious, and politically incompetent. This enduring problem of dealing with a rightful yet destructive ruler is central to Shakespeare’s subtle and beautiful play.

Set in feudal England on the brink of modernity, the divinely sanctioned monarch Richard II faces the pragmatic challenge of Henry Bolingbroke's real authority.

Olivier Award-winner Jonathan Bailey (Company) stars as Shakespeare’s doomed king in Richard II. Nicholas Hytner (former Artistic Director of the National Theatre) directs this production.

Critic Reviews (7)

"Bailey reveals and revels in all facets of this magnetic king...There is no question that Bailey’s star-casting will draw in audiences new to Shakespeare. But with his talent, and that of Richard II’s wider cast and creative team, it is likely they will become fans of the Bard, too."
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"handsomely mounted, emotionally muted"
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"A fine supporting cast assist in a commendable, unflashy evening that...grows in power."
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"Bailey inhabits and humanizes the king in a clean, clear, martial staging"
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"Bailey's petulant, self-obsessed king... never quite in control of his own emotions."
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"Jonathan Bailey brings a wonderful clarity and charisma to this tale"
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"Nicholas Hytner’s production plays like a thriller... Bailey glitters with feeling"
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Cast and creative team