Tuesday 30 September 2014

Richard III.

theatre: Trafalgar Studios, London
author: William Shakespeare
director: Jamie Lloyd

with: Martin Freeman, Philip Cumbus, Jo Stone-Fewings, Gina McKee, etc.


plot: In the aftermath of civil war, Richard, Duke of Gloucester, makes a hateful resolution to claw his way to political power at any cost. A master of manipulation, subtle wit and beguiling charm, he orchestrates his unlawful ascent by spinning a ruthless web of deceit and betrayal. His staunch ambition soon begins to weigh heavy, as the new ruler finds himself utterly alone and steeped in dread, forced to answer for his bloody deeds and face the horrifying consequences.


In the aftermath of civil war, Richard, Duke of Gloucester, makes a hateful resolution to claw his way to political power at any cost. A master of manipulation, subtle wit and beguiling charm, he orchestrates his unlawful ascent by spinning a ruthless web of deceit and betrayal. His staunch ambition soon begins to weigh heavy, as the new ruler finds himself utterly alone and steeped in dread, forced to answer for his bloody deeds and face the horrifying consequences. - See more at: http://trafalgartransformed.com/whats-on/richard-iii/about-the-show#sthash.oP7IgrxM.dpuf
In the aftermath of civil war, Richard, Duke of Gloucester, makes a hateful resolution to claw his way to political power at any cost. A master of manipulation, subtle wit and beguiling charm, he orchestrates his unlawful ascent by spinning a ruthless web of deceit and betrayal. His staunch ambition soon begins to weigh heavy, as the new ruler finds himself utterly alone and steeped in dread, forced to answer for his bloody deeds and face the horrifying consequences. - See more at: http://trafalgartransformed.com/whats-on/richard-iii/about-the-show#sthash.oP7IgrxM.dpuf
In the aftermath of civil war, Richard, Duke of Gloucester, makes a hateful resolution to claw his way to political power at any cost. A master of manipulation, subtle wit and beguiling charm, he orchestrates his unlawful ascent by spinning a ruthless web of deceit and betrayal. His staunch ambition soon begins to weigh heavy, as the new ruler finds himself utterly alone and steeped in dread, forced to answer for his bloody deeds and face the horrifying consequences. - See more at: http://trafalgartransformed.com/whats-on/richard-iii/about-the-show#sthash.oP7IgrxM.dpuf

what I liked: I sat directly on the stage so was never further away than five metres from all the (bloody) action which was great. The actors all were very good despise the limited space they had. Even though the Mad Men inspired 60´s wood panelled and spider plant office set has been seen several times on stage (more so in director´s theatre dorado Germany) I liked it and didn't miss a Tower of London replica or likewise.

what I didn't like: It is a tricky play to understand with all it's plotting and machinations and this shortened version didn´t make it any clearer so some preparation is required. Martin Freeman is an odd Richard, not sly and lacking any "beguiling charm" but just a short, cold-blooded and mousy pencil pusher.

verdict: A very interesting performance that was refreshingly modern compared to some of the still quite stuffy London productions.
The entire ensemble was great but there is the thought that Martin Freeman was only casted because of his popularity. On my way out I nearly slipped on all the stage blood drips, that´s Shakespeare for you!

1 comment: