Shakespeare’s Rose Theatre York – until Saturday 1st September 2018.
Reviewed by Michelle Richardson
3 1/2***
Richard III is the fourth, and last, of the plays being shown at Shakespeare’s Rose Theatre in York, directed by Lindsay Posner.
From the offset and the cast dancing along to Come on Eileen, I wasn’t to sure what to expect. After reading the programme and seeing drawings of the costumes, I knew it was going to be a modern take on Richard III. Apart from the clothing styles and the odd product placement of coffee cups, it was not that evident and not really explored, no more dancing along to modern, if you can call 80’s music modern.
Dyfan Dwyfor is very engaging as a young tyrannical Richard. He plays Richard with a lot of cheeky, boyish charm whilst managing to seduce the audience along the way. He had the audience laughing at his mannerisms and wicked wry smiles. Your eyes are drawn to him when he appears on stage, seeing him getting rid of all around him in his quest for power. With his hump, limp (he wears a leg brace to emphasize it’s malformity) and useless arm, he manages to flit around the stage with ease. It must be hard on his body, being distorted for the duration of the performance, I can feel my joints seizing up now just thinking about it.
The whole cast delivered strong performances throughout, but what had the biggest impact for me was the execution scene, ISIS style, of three prisoners. Each shot to the back of their hooded heads, whilst wearing orange jumpsuits, had me jumping in my seat and, though uncomfortable, was fully relatable in today’s climate.
The costumes, designed by Sue Willmington, especially the uniforms, both every day and ceremonial, were superb. And as for the costumes changes, all credit to the actors and behind the scenes for some incredibly quick changes.
I realise that I am a true amateur at this and this is Shakespeare, the greatest English writer in history, but I did find that at times it was a bit tedious There was just too much dialogue, which I occasionally found hard to follow, I had the same issue with Romeo and Juliet. Billed at a whooping 3 hours 45 minutes duration, I’m glad to say that it was cut down to just over 3 hours 15 minutes, which is roughly the same running time as Romeo and Juliet. I still feel that it could have been condensed even further to make it more audience friendly. That is just my personal preference and I know many will disagree. Both shows also have the same cast, a tremendous achievement when they are swapping and changing all through the summer, sometimes even playing both shows on the same day. Proves what a versatile bunch of actors that have been cast for all four shows.
The whole experience is one not to be missed. From the Shakespearean village to the wonderful painted ceiling over the stage, you must try and get to see a show, if not two, three or all four.