Jonathan Bailey is seething in a new trailer for London's gritty revival of Shakespeare's Richard II, playing the Bridge Theatre through May 10. The production, helmed by two-time Tony winner Nicholas Hytner, opened February 18. Watch the trailer above, and read the reviews here.
Olivier winner and Wicked film star Bailey leads the staging in the title role, opposite Royce Pierreson (The Witcher) as Henry Bullingbrook, Christopher Osikanlu Colquhoun (Absentia) as Earl of Northumberland, Olivia Popica (The Wheel of Time) as Queen Isabel, Amanda Root (Romeo and Juliet) as Alice Green and the Duchess of York, Phoenix Di Sebastiani (The Great) as Thomas Mowbray and Groom, Clive Wood (London鈥檚 Burning) as John of Gaun, and Michael Simkins (Guys & Dolls) as the Duke of York.
Also in the company are Adam Best (Peaky Blinders) as Sir John Bagot, Seamus Dillane (Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story) as Lord Surrey, Vinnie Heaven (Cowbois) as Aumerle, Jordan Kouam茅 (Wolf Hall 2) as Sir John Bushy and Harry Percy, Gerard Monaco (A Small Family Business) as Sir Stephen Scroop and Keeper, George Taylor (The Lady In The Van) as Lord Fitzwater, and Badria Timimi (Our Girl) as Abbess of Carlisle. Understudies Emma Bown (Romeo and Juliet), Martin Carroll (Twelfth Night), and Stephan Boyce (Aladdin) round out the company. Casting is by Robert Sterne.
Richard II is the Bridge Theatre's first production since its highly acclaimed, immersive revival of Guys and Dolls, which completed its more-than-a-year-long run January 4. The history play centers on the precarious moment as England is poised to move from feudalism to modernity, and the charismatic but incendiary King whose political incompetence threatens to wreck it all.
The production also features scenic and costume design by Bob Crowley, lighting design by Bruno Poet, sound design by Carolyn Downing, music by Grant Olding, movement direction by James Cousins, and fight direction by Kate Waters.
Hytner, formerly director of the National, is a two-time Tony and Olivier winner for his productions of Carousel and The History Boys.
Company of Richard II
Michael Simkins and Nick Sampson in Richard II
Jonathan Bailey in Richard II
Jonathan Bailey and Christopher Osikanlu Colquhoun in Richard II
Jonathan Bailey in Richard II
Jonathan Bailey in Richard II
Royce Pierreson and Nick Sampson in Richard II
Michael Simkins and Nick Sampson in Richard II
