RICHARD II: Encore Screening At The Barbican Today

As the remarkable Royal Shakespeare Company production of  Richard II reaches the end of its run at the Barbican Theatre in London tonight, the theatre are also holding a special encore screening of the cinema recording of the play at 12pm today.

The performance on 13th November at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon was recorded  for a live broadcast into UK cinemas and has since then been streamed into UK schools and to cinema audiences around the world. David Tennant stars in the title role; the cast also includes Nigel Lindsay, Oliver Ford Davies, Jane Lapotaire and Michael Pennington. The production has received almost universal critical acclaim since it opened in Stratford-upon-Avon in October last year.

The special encore screening at the Barbican will be followed by a ScreenTalk with Gregory Doran and other members of the production team. The event is sold out but check the Barbican box office for returns. Tickets are priced at £17 (£13.60 for Barbican members).

For a look back at all of the news surrounding Richard II since the play was announced last January please visit our website

Richard II Closes In London Tonight

David Tennant's sold out and critically acclaimed run as Richard II at the Barbican in London comes to an end tonight as David and the rest of the ensemble play the final show in the run.

The play first opened in Shakespeare's hometown of Stratford-upon-Avon at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre back in October 2013 before making it's transfer to London in December that year.

The Live From Stratford-upon-Avon recording of Richard II is due to be released on DVD in February (date to be confirmed).

Watch a clip of David Tennant as Richard II below:

To find out more about the play and to take a look back at all the news from this magnificent run then please visit our website here.

John Humphrys' Praise For David Tennant's Richard II

Veteran journalist and broadcaster John Humphrys has chosen David Tennant's Richard II at The Barbican as one of his theatre highlights in a recent interview with the Daily Mail's Event magazine.

He says:

"I go to the theatre as often as I can given my work. I saw Much Ado About Nothing in the summer, with Vanessa Redgrave, which, sad to say, was so dire we left at half time.

Most recently I saw Richard II at the Barbican. David Tennant is terrific. I introduced him to my son once and he was delightful to him."

Find out more about David Tennant's Richard II on our website here.

Richard II Post Show Talk Tonight

A post show talk about Richard II will take place at the Barbican following this evening's performance.
The talk is free to those who are attending the performance.

Richard II with David Tennant is playing in residence at the Barbican in London until Saturday 25th January 2014.

The run is sold out but some returns may be available online here or via the Barbican's Box Office on 020 7638 889

Richard II Encore Screening And Director's Talk At The Barbican

As the run of Richard II draws to an end at the Barbican in London, the theatre have announced a special encore screening of the live recording of the play on closing day, followed by a Q&A session with director Gregory Doran and other members of the production team.

The critically acclaimed staging of Richard II, starring David Tennant in the title role, was recorded at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon in November 2013 and was the first ever Royal Shakespeare Company production to be streamed live into cinemas. Since then it has been broadcast into 1000 UK schools and into cinemas around the world.

The encore screening takes place on Saturday 25th January at 12pm in the Barbican Theatre Cinema 2. Tickets are on sale now from the Barbican box office costing £17 or £13.60 for Barbican members. 


Find more information about Richard II on our website

Rehearsed Reading Of Thomas Of Woodstock At The Barbican Today

The Royal Shakespeare Company will today perform a one-off performance of Thomas Of Woodstock at London's Barbican Theatre. 

The Elizabethan  play, by an unknown author, covers the events leading up to the murder of Richard II's Uncle which is the focus of the opening scene in Shakespeare's play. It also includes many of the same characters as Shakespeare's Richard II, including the King and his 'favourites' Bushy, Bagot and Green amongst others. The rehearsed reading will be directed by Owen Horsley who is the Assistant Director onRichard II, and who will also give an introduction to the play at the start of the performance

The performance will be cast with actors from within Richard II; specific cast details have not been revealed.

RSC Artistic Director Gregory Doran said, “Thomas of Woodstock is sometimes referred to as Richard II: Part One. It is an anonymous Elizabethan drama which tells the backstory to Shakespeare's play, staging the events leading up to the murder of Richard's Uncle the Duke of Gloucester, brother to John of Gaunt and to the Duke of York. The King is deeply implicated in his death – and this is the unspoken crisis with which Shakespeare opens his play. It's a truly intriguing play”.

The two hour performance will be followed by a Q&A, and takes place on the afternoon of Friday 20th December at 2pm with tickets costing £5.00. 

A limited number of tickets are still available.
Contact the Barbican Box Office on 020 7638 8891 or online at www.barbican.org.uk

Richard II At The Barbican: Reviews Round Up

Following last night's press night for the Royal Shakespeare Company's production of Richard II starring David Tennant, reviews have appeared in a number of publications today. Here's around up of a few of them: 

Londonist.com: King Of Grief

“It is, quite simply, brilliant…”say Londonist."Tennant is a natural focal point and, as the title character, rightly so. He is neither a straightforward hero nor outright villain, and Tennant toes that line with great precision." They also highlight Nigel Lindsay, Michael Pennington and Oliver Ford Davies for praise.

Read the full review here

The Mirror

The Mirror chose to compare Richard II  with Matt Smith's American Psycho: The Musical which also opened last night. Of David's performance they say:

“…Tennant's performance is magnificent because, most of the time, he strikes a convincing balance of pomposity and menace - two characteristics we least associate with this actor…this version of Richard II also sees Tennant become a true star of the stage, as well as our TV screens.”
Read the article here

Metro: Richard II looks like he just stepped out of a salon

Metro largely fixate on David's hair extensions, but call the production splendid, with a 'visually ravishing' set design, and they also have praise for Jane Lapotaire and Oliver Ford Davies.

Read more here

The Arts Desk: This is more than a one-man show

Describing the production as "...one of the strongest company performances of Shakespeare that I’ve seen for many a year." The Arts Desk also draw attention to the pathos David draws from a character initially set up to be arrogant and unlikable.

Read the full review here

The Standard

The Standard lead with the reminder that David was an accomplished stage actor before his TV success: "His mercurial central turn in this knotty play offers a timely reminder of that, as does his accomplished delivery of some of the most exquisite poetry in all of Shakespeare."

Read more here

PHOTOS: Richard II Barbican Press Night Party

The Royal Shakespeare Company have released some photos of David Tennant attending the aftershow party for Richard II' s Press Night in London last night.

View the full set of photos from the aftershow here

Richard II plays in residence at the Barbican until 25th January 2014

The run is sold out. A very limited number of £10 stalls day seats can be purchased from 10.30am on the day of the performance in person only from the Barbican Box Office. Limited to one ticket per person. 

Returns may also be available.

Find out more about Richard II starring David Tennant on our website

Richard II Backstage Tour Starts Today

Wondering what’s going on behind the scenes during the RSC’s production of Richard II?

Before you see the play, enjoy a different experience of the theatre with The Barbican's backstage tour.

Searching out the nooks and crannies of a working theatre, exploring the wings and the fly tower, you will be treated to the history of the theatre in the company of the experienced Barbican Explorers.

The tour begins today and runs throughout December and January. It costs just £10.50 per ticket (concessions £8.40)

Book online here

Richard II's London Press Night Tonight

Tonight is the Press Night for Richard II at the Barbican in London tonight.

The play which transferred to the Barbican after a critically acclaimed run in Stratford-upon-Avon is playing in residence in London until 25th January 2014. 

The cast includes David Tennant, Emma Hamilton, Nigel Lindsay, Michael Pennington, Jane Lapotaire and Oliver Ford Davies and it is directed by Gregory Doran. 

The run is sold out. A very limited number of £10 stalls day seats can be purchased from 10.30am on the day of the performance (except 12th December) in person only from the Barbican Box Office. Limited to one ticket per person. 

Find out more about Richard II starring David Tennant on our website

Richard II Opens Tonight At The Barbican In London

David Tennant's latest play with the Royal Shakespeare Company, Richard II, opens tonight at the Barbican in London.

The play which is transferring after a critically acclaimed run in Stratford-upon-Avon will play in residence at the Barbican until 25th January 2014. 

The cast includes David Tennant, Emma Hamilton, Nigel Lindsay, Michael Pennington, Jane Lapotaire and Oliver Ford Davies and it is directed by Gregory Doran. 

The run is sold out. A very limited number of £10 stalls day seats can be purchased from 10.30am on the day of the performance (except 12th December) in person only from the Barbican Box Office. Limited to one ticket per person. 

Find out more about Richard II starring David Tennant on our website

More Tickets Available For Richard II Starring David Tennant

Tickets are currently available for most performances of Richard II starring David Tennant at the Barbican Theatre in London. The critically acclaimed Royal Shakespeare Company production directed by Gregory Doran was previously advertised as sold out.

Click here to view dates and buy tickets

Richard II opens for previews at the Barbican on Monday 9th December and remains in residence until Saturday 25th January 2014. 

For more information, production photos and videos please visit our website

Book Tickets For The Richard II Backstage Tour

Wondering what’s going on behind the scenes during the RSC’s production of Richard II? 

Before you see the play, enjoy a different experience of the theatre with The Barbican's backstage tour.

Searching out the nooks and crannies of a working theatre, exploring the wings and the fly tower, you will be treated to the history of the theatre in the company of the experienced Barbican Explorers. 

The tour runs from 13th December 2013 and costs just £10.50 per ticket (concessions £8.40) 

Book online here

Richard II Costume Craft Display At The Barbican

Audiences watching Richard II with David Tennant during it's London run will be able to enjoy Costume Craft inside the Barbican Theatre’s foyer, an illuminating display that follows the journey of how a costume is made and maintained by the RSC’s Costume Department, from first fitting to final performance, drawn from the RSC’s In Stitches exhibition in Stratford-upon-Avon.

The exhibition is free to same-day ticket holders and will be open for 45 minutes before each performance. Early entrance is via Theatre Upper Circle Left doors, next to Advance Box Office.

Please note the exhibition will close immediately 15 minutes before the performance starts and reopen during the interval.

The RSC Announce A One-Off Rehearsed Reading Of Thomas Of Woodstock During The Richard II London Run

The Royal Shakespeare Company have today announced that there will be a one-off performance of Thomas Of Woodstock during the run of Richard II at London's Barbican Theatre. 

The Elizabethan  play, by an unknown author, covers the events leading up to the murder of Richard II's Uncle which is the focus of the opening scene in Shakespeare's play. It also includes many of the same characters as Shakespeare's Richard II, including the King and his 'favourites' Bushy, Bagot and Green amongst others. The rehearsed reading will be directed by Owen Horsley who is the Assistant Director on Richard II, and who will also give an introduction to the play at the start of the performance

The performance will be cast with actors from within Richard II; specific cast details have not yet been named.

RSC Artistic Director Gregory Doran said, “Thomas of Woodstock is sometimes referred to as Richard II: Part One. It is an anonymous Elizabethan drama which tells the backstory to Shakespeare's play, staging the events leading up to the murder of Richard's Uncle the Duke of Gloucester, brother to John of Gaunt and to the Duke of York. The King is deeply implicated in his death – and this is the unspoken crisis with which Shakespeare opens his play. It's a truly intriguing play”.

The two hour performance will be followed by a Q&A, and takes place on the afternoon of Friday 20th December at 2pm with tickets costing £5.00. Tickets go on sale from the Barbican box office from Wednesday 13 November.

Contact the Barbican Box Office on 020 7638 8891 or online at www.barbican.org.uk

Public Booking For David Tennant's Richard II Opens Today

Tickets for Richard II in Stratford-upon-Avon and London go on sale to the general public at 10am this morning.
Richard II opens in Stratford-upon-Avon (limited tickets are available) from 10th October 2013 to 16th November 2013 before transferring to London's Barbican from 7th December 2013 - 25th January 2014.
Tickets for the Stratford-upon-Avon dates are available from www.rsc.org.uk and tickets for the London dates are available from www.rsc.org.uk and www.barbican.org.uk 

Find out more about David Tennant's Richard II here.

Booking For Richard II For Barbican Orange Members Opens Today

Priority booking opens today for tickets to the London transfer of Richard II for Barbican Orange Members. Members will be able to book online and by phone via the Barbican box office from 10am

About the play

Richard II by William Shakespeare

Richard is King. A monarch ordained by God to lead his people. But he is also a man of very human weakness. A man whose vanity threatens to divide the great houses of England and drag his people into a dynastic and bloody civil war.

RSC Artistic Director Gregory Doran directs David Tennant in the title role of this new production, transferring to the Barbican direct from Stratford-upon-Avon.

Tennant is joined in the company by Oliver Ford Davies as the Duke of York, both of whom appeared in the RSC’s acclaimed Hamlet (2008). Michael Pennington will also appear as John of Gaunt.

Richard II transfers to the Barbican Theatre following a run at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon and runs from 9th December 2013 - 25th January 2014).

Click here to book tickets 

For a list of Richard II performance dates click here

Ticket prices range from £55 to £10, with ten seats per performance reserved for 16-25 year olds at a price of £5 (booking conditions apply). RSC Members and Barbican Red and Orange members can also take advantage of the special preview price deal: £10 off top and second price tickets (normally £55 and £45) for the Mon 9 and Tue 10 Dec performances only. Discount limited to two per member. Tickets must be booked by Sun 17 Mar included.

Click here for details of all Richard II discounts

Tickets will be sent out 2 - 4 weeks prior to the performance.

Booking lines will be open to Barbican Yellow members and the general public for the London and Stratford-upon-Avon runs of Richard II from Monday 18th March.

For all the news and information on the play please visit our Richard II section

Members' Priority Booking Opens For Richard II At The Barbican Theatre

Priority booking opens today for tickets to the London transfer of Richard II for full members of the Royal Shakespeare Company and Barbican Red members. Members will be able to book online and by phone from 10am

RSC Artistic Director Gregory Doran directs David Tennant in the title role of the production which transfers to the Barbican Theatre following a run at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon. The company also includes Oliver Ford Davies as the Duke of York and Michael Pennington as John of Gaunt. Richard II opens at the Barbican on Monday 9th December and runs till Saturday 25th January 2014.

Click here for a list of performance dates - please note that Saturday 7th December and Thursday 12th December (Press Night) may not be available from today. The 8th January performance will be followed by a post-show talk at no extra cost to ticket holders for that performance.


Ticket prices range from £55 to £10, with ten seats per performance reserved for 16-25 year olds at a price of £5 (booking conditions apply). There is also a special preview price deal: Barbican Red & Orange Members and Royal Shakespeare Company Members get £10 off top and second price tickets (normally £55 and £45) for the Mon 9 and Tue 10 Dec performances only. Discount limited to two per member. Tickets must be booked by Sun 17 Mar included.


Booking link for RSC members

Booking link for Barbican members


Tickets will be sent out 2 - 4 weeks prior to the performance.

Associate members of the RSC will be able to purchase tickets from 10am on Friday 8th March. Barbican Orange members can book from Wednesday 13th March. Barbican Yellow members and the general public will be able to book from Monday 18th March.

To keep up to date with all the news and information about the production visit our Richard II web pages

Richard II At The Barbican London - Priority Booking Information

The Royal Shakespeare Company have sent out the following information to members in an email:

Richard II London Transfer - information for Members

As announced by RSC Artistic Director Gregory Doran last month, Richard II will transfer to London's Barbican Theatre in December 2013, following its run in Stratford-upon-Avon.

RSC Members will shortly receive full information about the transfer through the post or you can view information online.

Full Members' Priority Booking (online and telephone) opens Thursday 7 March

Associate Members' Priority Booking (online and telephone) opens Friday 8 March

Public Booking opens on Monday 18 March

Before booking opens we highly recommend, particularly if you're a new Member, logging in to check that your username and password is associated with your Membership. Login here and you should be directed to the Members' Room.

Book online at the RSC website (you will need to login to access tickets), or call your Members' Ticket Hotline (found on the front of your newsletter and your Membership card).

Read more below:

More Casting Information For Richard II Revealed By The Barbican

The Barbican Theatre in London have revealed more casting details of the Royal Shakespeare Company's production of Richard II directed by Gregory Doran and starring David Tennant. The production transfers to the London theatre on December 9th after its run in Stratford-upon-Avon.

In their new brochure, mailed out to members today the Barbican say that Oliver Ford Davies will be playing the Duke of York with Michael Pennington in the role of John of Gaunt. David Tennant will star as King Richard II.

The brochure also gives the information that RSC supporters will have access to buy tickets for the London run from Tuesday 5th March, two days before sales open to RSC and Barbican Red members. There will also be discounted and day seats: for each performance there will be 10 tickets for 16-25 year olds at £5 and 30 stalls seats at £10 each which go on sale at 10.30am daily at the Barbican box office, limited to a maximum of one per person.

Performances are Monday - Saturday at 7.15pm with Saturday matinees at 2pm. There are also matinees on Wednesday 15th January at 2pm and Sunday 22nd December at 3pm. There are no performances from the 23rd - 26th December or on the 1st January.

Find out more about the new RSC production of Richard II starring David Tennant here

Thanks to @shaksper on Twitter for the information