Richard II

Summary

1978 BBC production of Richard II by William Shakespeare, presented in the BBC Television Shakespeare series.

Theatre play

Richard II by William Shakespeare [more information]

Play synopsis

The play is the first part of a tetralogy of four works, sometimes referred to as the Henriad, about the House of Lancaster. The following three plays, Henry IV Part 1, Henry IV Part 2 and Henry V are about Richard’s successors.

RSC synopsis (from http://www.rsc.org.uk/explore/shakespeare/plays/richard-ii-synopsis.aspx):
In the presence of King Richard, Henry Bullingbrook (who would eventually be Henry IV) accuses Thomas Mowbray (Duke of Norfolk) of embezzling crown funds and of plotting the death of his uncle, the Duke of Gloucester. They will not be reconciled and are about to fight, but Richard stops the combat before it can begin. Bullingbrook is exiled for ten years (later reduced to six); Mowbray is exiled for life. John of Gaunt (Duke of Lancaster, uncle to the king and Bullingbrook’s father) dies after accusing Richard of improper government. Richard orders the seizure of Gaunt’s property, denying Bullingbrook his inheritance. He then departs for Ireland, appointing his other uncle York to govern in his absence. The Duke of Northumberland reveals that Bullingbrook has returned to England with an army. Bullingbrook persuades his uncle York that he has returned for his rightful inheritance, not to start a rebellion against the crown. Richard returns from Ireland to discover that his Welsh troops have deserted him, that York has allied himself with Bullingbrook, and the common people are rising against him. Bullingbrook and his supporters meet with Richard. Bullingbrook promises to surrender his arms if his banishment is repealed and his inheritance restored. Richard agrees to his demands. Richard’s cousin, the Duke of Aumerle, is accused of murdering the Duke of Gloucester. Bullingbrook arrests everyone involved in the allegations. Richard agrees to abdicate. Bullingbrook announces his coronation. A plot is hatched to restore Richard to the throne. York discovers that his son Aumerle is involved in a plot to kill Bullingbrook. Aumerle confesses to Bullingbrook, and is pardoned. Richard is killed whilst imprisoned in Pomfret Castle. Bullingbrook receives news of his supporters’ efforts to defeat his detractors. Exton presents Richard’s body to Bullingbrook, only to be rewarded with banishment. Bullingbrook promises to undertake a pilgrimage to expiate his sins.

Production history

Thought to have been written around 1595.

Date of transmission

Sunday 10 December 1978

Time

8.10-9.35; 9.40-10.50pm

Series

BBC Television Shakespeare

Channel

BBC2

Production company

BBC

Credits

Director

David Giles

Producer

Cedric Messina

Playwright

William Shakespeare

Composer

William Walton (series title music)

Designer

Tony Abbott

Costume Designer

Robin Fraser-Paye

Make-up Artist

Ann Rayment

Fight Arranger

Terry Wright

Script Editor

Alan Shallcross

Cast

Desmond Adams	Sir Pierce of Exton
Jonathan Adams	Gardener
John Barcroft	Earl of Salisbury
Bruno Barnabe	Abbot of Westminster
Tim Brown	Herald
Jeremy Bulloch	Henry Percy
Alan Collins	Gardener’s Man
John Curless	Lord Fitzwater
Alan Dalton	Green
David Dodimead	Lord Ross
Ronald Fernee	Servant
Jon Finch	Bolingbroke, later Henry IV
John Flint	Lord Willoughby
Sandra Frieze	Queen’s Lady
David Garfield	Welsh Captain
John Gielgud	John of Gaunt
Charles Gray	Duke of York
Wendy Hiller	Duchess of York
Jeffrey Holland	Duke of Surrey
Derek Jacobi	King Richard
Charles Keating	Duke of Aumerle
Mike Lewin	Herald
Janet Maw	Queen to Richard
Mary Morris	Duchess of Gloucester
Carl Oatley	Early Berkeley
Richard Owens	Thomas Mowbray
Joe Ritchie	Groom
Clifford Rose	Bishop of Carlisle
Robin Sachs	Bushy
Phillada Sewell	Queen’s Lady
David Swift	Earl of Northumberland
Damien Thomas	Bagot
Paddy Ward	Keeper
William Whymper	Sir Stephen Scroop

Additional details

Play tags

historical drama; royalty

Print sources

Title

Radio Times, 30 November 1978 (Magazine)

Linking notes

long article on the BBC Television Shakespeare series, pp. 84-93

Title

Radio Times, 7 December 1978 (Magazine)

Linking notes

full-page article, p. 21; listing, with image, p. 41