[Theatre Review] Richard, My Richard — Philippa Gregory’s debut play storms Shakespeare North Playhouse

Wow! Richard, My Richard — What a play! What a cast! What a story! ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

‘Richard, My Richard’ is historical novelist Philippa Gregory’s modern retelling of the life of a man who rose to fame (once more) after being discovered by surprise, buried beneath a car park in Leicester.

I had a superb afternoon with my mum watching the final matinee performance of Gregory’s debut play retelling the tale of King Richard III at Shakespeare North Playhouse, Prescot

Mum is a huge fan of her books and was giving me the royal gossip between scenes. Me? I’m less of a history buff, but still… I was truly blown away by this epic piece of theatre!

Tender? Yes. Passionate. Hell yes! Everything from the stage production itself, to the perfectly chosen props and simple but effective costumes (yes, leather trousers!) to the dramatic lighting, and all-embracing music were utterly sublime!

It’s a can’t-take-your-eyes-off-the-stage tale of toxic love, royal betrayals, family feuds, sassy laugh-out-loud one liners. But, above all, it’s a play which shines a spotlight on the bewitchingly powerful women behind the lives, loyalty and lineage of this tyrannical king.

P.s. for all you Southerners, ‘Richard, My Richard’ is showing at Theatre Royal, Bury St Edmunds, 11-27 April 2024

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“Either you have me or not at all. Either you love me or not at all. Either I am all yours or I am nobody’s. I will have no half-measures with you.”

— Philippa Gregory

👏 Cast: Richard, My Richard

• Philippa Gregory CBE, Writer

• Kyle Rowe, Richard

• Tom Kanji, History

• Tyler Dobbs, George/Buckingham

• Jennifer Matter, Queen

• Tori Burgess, Anne

• Laura Smithers, Margaret

• Matt Concannon, Edward/Thomas Stanley

• Mary Savage, Elizabeth

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My night continued with nibbles and drinks with my good friend and wildlife artist, Sarah Stribbling at the Wine Kitchen before heading over to enjoy live music at The Brewery Tap, Lymm.