
Richard II
by William Shakespeare
produced by We Are Animate
“Mock not flesh and blood with solemn reverence.
Throw away tradition, form, and ceremonious duty.”
Amidst worldwide political turbulence, England faces societal crisis and open rebellion. Living a life of luxury within the crumbling Palace of Westminster, King Richard is increasingly unwilling to face the calamity his failing government has created. As the façade of power begins to dissolve around him, the dramatic downfall of an extraordinary individual begins; an individual who is in equal measures both vivaciously captivating, and excruciatingly cruel.
We Are Animate are proud to present this new version of one of Shakespeare’s most subversive plays. In our own age of unprecedented political turmoil, this production explores the power and strength of femininity, and questions what traits are expected, and respected, in a leader.
We Are Animate have been creating ground-breaking theatre since 2012. Through a unique blend of high-octane performance, innovative choreography and minimalist aesthetics, they have created Red Bull theatre for the Netflix generation. Previous productions include Hunter & Jonny, Roughs, Love Lab and Bitesize Chekhov.
Press for RICHARD II
“A cracker of a Shakespeare production” ★★★★★ The Spy in the Stalls
“An enthralling introduction to Shakespeare” ★★★★ Fairy Powered Productions
“Rivers speaks Shakespeare’s poetry with great skill and feeling” ★★★★ Broadway World
“A thoughtful, brisk and accessible production” ★★★★ LondonTheatre1
“A first-rate production” ★★★★ Last Minute Theatre Tickets
“There may be higher profile Shakespeare productions in London but this is by far the superior” There Ought To Be Clowns
dynamic and energetic … an hour and twenty minutes flashed by’ ★★★★ London Pub Theatres
NOMINATED FOR A STANDING OVATION AWARD London Pub Theatres
NOMINATED FOW TWO OFF WEST END AWARDS: Best Ensemble and Best Lighting Design
Creative Team
Richard II by William Shakespeare
Directed by Lewis Brown
Produced by Will Mytum for We Are Animate
Assistant Director: Harriet Barrow
Lighting Design: Jack Channer
Sound Design: Jordan Wilkes
Set Build: David Stanley
Artwork: Mark Barrow
Cast
Richard | Michael Rivers John of Gaunt/Carlisle | Hilary Burns
Bolingbroke | Fleur De Wit Aumerle | Harriet Barrow
Queen Isabella | Nada Babikir Bushy | Daniel Takefusa
Northumberland/Mowbray | Daniel Ghezzi York | Lizzy Dive
★★★★★
The Spy in the Stalls
★★★★
London Pub Theatres
★★★★
Fairy Powered Productions
★★★★
Broadway World
★★★★
LondonTheatre1