Richard II

Richard II is charismatic, eloquent, and flamboyantly witty. And a disastrous King – dishonest, dangerous, and politically incompetent. Echoing down the centuries is the perennial problem: how to deal with a ruler who has a rock-solid right to rule but is set on wrecking the country he leads.

Shakespeare’s subtle, caustic, and powerful play revolves round two startlingly modern figures: Richard, an autocrat who believes he is divinely sanctioned, and Henry Bullingbrook, a hard-headed pragmatist who has genuine authority.

The Bridge, London

10 February – 10 May 2025

Director Nicholas Hytner

Designer Bob Crowley

Lighting Designer Bruno Poet

Sound Designer Carolyn Downing

Composer Grant Olding

Movement Director James Cousins

Fight Director Kate Waters

Casting Director Robert Sterne

Associate Director Lily Dyble

Associate Designer Jaimie Todd

Associate Lighting Designer Max Narula

Associate Sound Designer Charlie Smith

Voice and Text Coach Jeannette Nelson

Costume Supervisor Eleanor Dolan

Props Supervisor Lily Mollgaard

Casting Associate Christopher Worrall