Richard III (a one-person show) • Jack Studio Theatre

Richard III (a one-person show)

by William Shakespeare

adapted by Kolbrun Bjort Sigfusdottir & Emily Carding

directed by Kolbrun Bjort Sigfusdottir

produced by Brite Theater

Pushing the boundaries of Shakespearean performance, Brite Theater have re-imagined Richard III as a bold and engaging solo show. The fourth wall has been removed, as the audience take on the roles of the other characters at Richard’s party in this intimate, exciting, and moving production.

Let Richard entertain you…but will you survive?

Richard III (A One Person Show) was created by director Kolbrun Bjort Sigfusdottir and performer Emily Carding during a theatre residency in Reykjavik, Iceland in November 2014, and premiered at Prague Fringe in May 2015, winning every single award – unprecedented in the history of Prague Fringe. It then went on to win the coveted ‘Bobby’ award at Edinburgh Fringe.

Since then this production has toured throughout the UK and internationally, including Rome, Verona, Iceland, Slovakia, Romania, Pakistan, St Petersburg Kansas City and New York, all to high praise.

Please note: Any audience participation is gentle, consensual and non verbal.

Press for this production

‘Emily Carding and Kolbrun Bjort Sigfusdottir’s adaptation of Richard III is a smart, sparse, stripped back version of the text built around Carding’s utterly compelling performance.’ ★★★★ The Stage
‘Emily Carding’s portrayal of the king who murders his way to the English throne is in a league of its own.’ ★★★★★ Broadway Baby
‘There are lots of shows riffing on a theme of Shakespeare’s, and lots of them are good fun. Few indeed bring much new understanding to the play. This one, without making any big statements, does. Fun, short, and informative, what more do you need? Go.’ ★★★★ ½ London Pub Theatres

‘an extraordinary performance from Emily Carding, a female Richard as bitter, damaged, ingenious and irresistible as any I’ve ever seen.’ ★★★★ The Scotsman
‘Coolly psychotic’ ★★★★ New York Times
‘This production, mostly by virtue of the one-person show format, actually shines a light on Richard’s final loneliness and isolation. As a significant bonus, Emily Carding speaks the verse with skill and lovely cadence, reminding the audience that Shakespeare wrote some really good lines… it is thoughtful, it is effective, it is concise, and it is fun. ★★★★ The Reviews Hub
‘the play is given an invigorating refresh, with a stunning and commanding performance that was always engaging… Richard III (a one-person show) is extraordinary and unique. Like all the good shows, it was over all too quickly.” ★★★★ London Theatre 1

★★★★★ Remote Goat
★★★★ The List
★★★★ All Edinburgh Theatre
★★★★ Fringe Guru
AWARDS. WINNER OF
Creative Award (Artist or Company whose worked is deemed as being creatively exceptional) PRAGUE FRINGE 2015
Inspiration Award (New piece of work staged no more than twice previously) PRAGUE FRINGE 2015
Performance Award (Artist who has excelled in their performance at the festival)
Emily Carding – Richard III, Brite Theater PRAGUE FRINGE 2015
Bobby Award Edinburgh Fringe 2015
London Pub Theatre’s Standing Ovation Nomination 2023