One of the most challenging leading roles in Shakespeare, Richard II must appear both insipid and compelling, a man who suspects he is not quite up to the task of kingship but can’t admit it. Casting Bridgerton’s Jonathan Bailey as the vacillating king and surrounding him with a handful of veterans and a sprinkling of talented newcomers is a shrewd move by director Nicholas Hytner.
Over-sensitive and paranoid, Richard banishes his cousin Bullingbrook (Royce Pierreson) and Thomas Mowbray (Phoenix Di Sebastiani) only to find that his actions backfire on him when the former returns to usurp him. Deserted by his allies, friends and even relatives, Richard has no alternative but to abdicate.
Bailey is effectively ineffectual as Richard, viciously petulant and deluded throughout, citing the Divine Right of Kingship to cling to power that he doesn’t merit.
Quiet and studied in performance, he has great moments such as the abdication scene in which he refuses to give up his crown like a child unwilling to part with his favourite toy.
If some scenes would benefit from tightening up and greater projection, Bailey stands up to the challenge of Pierreson’s charismatic force field with subtle dignity.
Both are supported by a sterling cast including Michael Simkins and Amanda Root as the Duke & Duchess of York, whose domestic scenes thrum with humanity.
Martin Carroll, standing in for an indisposed Clive Wood as John of Gaunt, makes his mark in the great “This sceptre’d isle” speech and Christopher Osikanlu Colquhoun is an engagingly urbane Earl of Northumberland, Bullingbrook’s remorseless ‘fixer’.
Hytner ensures clarity throughout and there is never a moment when we don’t know who’s betraying whom, right down to Richard’s beloved horse, Barbary. An illuminating production.
Bridge Theatre until May 10
Tickets: 0333 320 0051 / bridgetheatre.co.uk
