by William Shakespeare | directed by Sabrina Poole
16-18 and 22-25 January
“The children yet unborn shall feel this day as sharp to them as thorn.”
In order to silence a dispute before it turns bloody, King Richard banishes his cousin Henry Bolingbroke from England’s shores. But in his absence, Richard sees an opportunity and seizes his cousin’s lands to finance his costly wars. Angered, Bolingbroke breaks his exile and returns seeking justice. As Richard’s rule becomes increasingly unstable, Bolingbroke’s actions set in motion a series of violent events that will change the future of England forever.
A timeless story of corruption and power, and the complexities of loyalty in the face of a flawed ruler.
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Photography: Sean Owen of Reflective Arts |
"Sometimes the stars just align beautifully. An exceptional set of actors, the richest of texts, and a Director whose positive influence and clear vision is obvious. This production of Richard II is one of those instances... With such compelling drama and an awesomely powerful portrayal, Richard II at the Sewell Barn Theatre is simply one not to be missed." Ray Tempesta - East Anglian Theatre Podcast [click here for full review]
"I just had to pen you a missive on this one. Full house last night and the performance was astounding. Just to enter the auditorium took one’s breath away. The set / lighting was so imposing and the soundscape really effective. And that’s all before the acting! Some great character acting - loved John of Gaunt and Bolingbroke as well as York, Duchess of Gloucester…. and more. BUT Richard was stunning from beginning to end and can’t get him out of my head. At times he reminded me of Elon Musk - powerful, arrogant, vulnerable and petulant. A complete capture of the changing mood, tone, and fundamental isolation of a young king. Bravo to the Barn! It was brilliant! What a tale for our times! I want to see it again!" Shelagh
" [The] Sewell Barn Theatre are known to like a challenge and they have taken this lesser known script and made an absolute belter of a production.... Director Sabrina Poole has picked a cast who bring well defined character to build on Shakespeare’s script and add interest to an already gripping drama. Jez Pike is mesmerising as Richard, with a stary eyed intensity that reminded me of a host of performers from Graham Norton to Emo Philips managing to be both frighteningly megalomaniac and pathetically vulnerable almost in the same breath. His is a landmark performance... The Sewell Barn Company have crafted a superb production of this lesser known Shakespeare play and I am grateful that they have introduced me to it in such great style." Julian Swainson, Norwich Eye [click here for full review]
"I saw it last night and was really looking forward to seeing a play that I absolutely love. What a brilliant production with all round good performances. The lighting and sound were used to great effect on a striking set. The production uses all available spaces really effectively. Stand out performance from Richard II, wonderful direction; go and see it." Trudy
"Just back from Richard II at the Sewell Barn Theatre and highly recommend that you see it if you can. The storytelling is superb, and the cast bring great clarity to the narrative; the production values are outstanding and the many fight scenes exciting! It whizzes along and I was totally absorbed. Many congratulations to director Sabrina Poole and her whole team." Clare
"Before watching this performance Richard II probably wouldn't have even cleared my top five, but this well-wrought production has made me reconsider my rankings.... this was a very powerful production which made me evaluate the play with new eyes." Niamh Duncan - UK Theatre Network [click here for full review]
"Congrats to all involved in Richard II which we really enjoyed last night. Particularly impressed with the clear line delivery by all. Also impressed with the music used ... It was good to meet up with Ruby who I’ve worked with before and what a great performance from her - such a highly competent actor." David
"A fantastic production and great performances from the actors." Julian