Richard, My Richard At Shakespeare North Playhouse Review

DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW

Reviewed by Alison Rood

Even for those of us who aren’t history buffs, the name Richard III will probably ring a bell.

In 2012, over 500 years after his death, he hit the headlines when his remains were discovered in a Leicestershire car park during archaeological dig. A re-burial was performed in 2015.

Amongst those present at the interment, was best selling novelist and historian Philippa Gregory. Conversations around Shakespeare’s villainous portrayal of Richard were had, and an off the cuff suggestion was made to Phillipa. The suggestion was for her to write a play that gave a more balanced, and fair view of the medieval king. She listened, and that as some people would say, is where it all started for her first play, “Richard, my Richard.”

Richard III bursts out from under the stage, full of angst. It falls on “History’s” shoulders to break the news to him that he is in fact dead, and that a guy named Shakespeare had painted him in a not very nice light…..a hunchback who killed his nephews, poisoned his wife, and slept with his niece.

History, brilliantly played by Tom Kanji, is super engaging towards the audience and evoked quite a few laughs from us throughout the show. As he details Richard’s reputation to him, the King starts to bite back, and we see a new version of history unfold…….was what history told us true? Or could it have been political propaganda?

Kyle Rowe (plays Richard) puts on an emotive performance as he answers all the accusations that History puts to him. He passionately retells the story of his life. We see the king portray himself as the voice of reason, an empath. A man who wants to keep his family safe and together, not divide.

During his retelling, he introduces us to the women who ultimately helped to determine his fate.
Queen (Jennifer Matter) Anne (Tori Burgess) Margaret (Laura Smithers) and Elizabeth (Mary Savage) all executed their roles to perfection. The women who surround powerful men are rarely mentioned in the history books despite their being ambitious, clever, and driven so it was a welcome change to see women at the forefront of the plot.

One of my favourite scenes (and one which conjured a huge rack of laughter!) was “family history” lesson where we were given a run down of who was related to who, who had done what to who and who loved/hated who. Another laughter inducing aspect of the show was Margaret’s constant reference to her son Henry being “One 32th Royal” – we all chuckled every time she said it.

I do think that these comedic scenes made the show. Unless you are really into history – I think the factual aspect plus the run time could have made it a little too intense. But the jokes, quips and theatrics really broke it up and made it much more engaging and enjoyable for all.

As with all shows at the Shakespeare North Playhouse, the small stage, small props, and lighting are skilfully used to depict multiple environments throughout. It is a burial site, a bedroom, a castle, a battlefield….no fancy sets or backdrops required, you always knew exactly where you were.

The final scene was so simple, yet emotive and resulted in a standing ovation for the cast.

All in all, a thoroughly enjoyable show which I would highly recommend!

(One last mention; Tyler Dobbs and Matt Concannon who played dual roles, and did so fantastically!)

Rating: 4/5

Tickets for Richard, My Richard’s world premiere at The Shakespeare North Playhouse start at £5 and are available from https://shakespearenorthplayhouse.co.uk/event/richard-my-richard/

The show runs here until 30th March, with notable dates listed below;

Philippa Gregory will lead a post-show discussion on Wed 13 & Tue 19 Mar following the evening performance.

British Sign Language Performance – Wed 20 Mar, 7pm
Audio Described Performance – Fri 22 Mar, 7pm
Relaxed Performances – Fri 22 Mar, 7pm & Wed 27 Mar, 2pm

The Shakespeare North Playhouse is located Prospero Place, Prescot, L34 3AB.

There are a small number of parking spaces close to the venue. The theatre is lovely, clean and the employees are always so friendly, knowledgeable and helpful.

Images credit to Patch Dolan.