After The Applause

The Bridge Theatre delighted musical fans with its production of Guys & Dolls, and it seemed to still attract those same fans back with it’s announcement of a rare staging of Shakespeare’s Richard II due to placing Wicked’s Jonathan Bailey in the titular role. Would this new production be yet another spectacular Shakespeare staging for the Bridge or would it fall flat?

Well it did quite the opposite…

They place the show in the round, on what appears to be a large slab of concrete. It looks bare and dull, however if you were to glance up you would see props dangling from the ceiling preparing to fly down when called upon (this seemed like a subtle nod to a similar system used in Guys & Dolls). Crowley’s set compliments the play brilliantly, with set pieces lowering from the ceiling and rising from the ground. As does Bruno Poet’s mysterious light design, often choosing to only illuminate parts of the stage to create that sense of secrecy and rebellion discussed in the play. I must also say that Carolyn Downing’s continuous soundtrack throughout the play is not only catchy but also makes it feel like a political thriller program you would watch on Netflix. I loved this choice to take it in a more modern direction (as the Bridge often do).

These elements are very important, but the most important ingredient in creating the perfect Shakespeare tragedy is a strong leading man..

Enter Jonathan Bailey, going back to his roots on the stage after venturing into film and TV. Bailey makes King Richard a young and careless leader who prefers to abuse his power than care for his people. Bailey’s Richard is a cocaine-snorting power monger whose emotions change rapidly throughout the play from a calm and collected leader, to enraged and tyrannical and finally he finishes up as an emotional wreck. He steers this cast brilliantly and his monologue in the court about the loss of his identity is just absolutely mesmerising. He is a true professional and honestly one of the best performances of a Shakespeare titular role I have ever seen.

Whilst i’d urge you to go just for Bailey’s performance alone, the ensemble all seem to capture their characters brilliantly no matter how small. Olivia Popica’s Queen Isabel ,whilst only appearing in two scenes, perfectly captures the emotions of a wife losing her husband. Nick Sampson and Michael Simkins are wonderful as John of Gaunt and Duke of York as well as Vinnie Heaven as the Duke’s young, foolish son who chooses his cousin over his father. Even Adam Best as Bagot who kills the king in order to impress King Henry, portrays the confusion when his plan backfires marvellously.

Finally is Royce Pierreson as Henry Bullingbrook. Is he a hero or a villain? That is for you to decide at the conclusion of the play. To discover that this man was relatively new to theatre had me confused, as he seems like he’s been on stage for decades. He doesn’t allow Bailey to steal the show in their scenes together, he is very different (Henry) to Richard in his controlled anger and carefully planned negotiations. Pierreson plays this so well and gives such a super performance to back-up Bailey’s award winning one.

MY VERDICT:

A sleek production that fits in with the Bridge’s manifesto of modernised portrayals of Shakespeare’s works. Whilst it’s brilliant the production design itself doesn’t take too many experimental risks and it seems they stick to the Bridge’s tried and tested formula. The ensemble are strong and well instructed, by one of my favourite directors Nicholas Hytner, to create this feeling of a Political thriller film. However if I had to give you two words as to why you should go down to the Bridge Theatre to watch Richard II, they would quite simply be…

Jonathan Bailey

I expect an award nomination should come for him as he is absolutely remarkable and earnt himself (as did the rest of the cast) a well deserved riotous applause and standing ovation!!

My standout performers (bar Bailey) were

Royce Pierreson, Vinnie Heaven and Nick Sampson

Richard II is running at The Bridge Theatre in London, located about 5 minutes from the London Bridge train station, until the 10th May 2025. Most availability is situated towards the end of the run. If you are a fan of Shakespeare, this is must see!

All photos are from the Bridge Theatre website, taken by Jason Bell.