Shakespeare's Globe on Screen: Featuring productions from London's historic Globe Theatre.
Simon Godwin directs this excellent rendition of one of Shakespeare’s more underrated plays. Without resorting to gimmick or ploy, Godwin is able to get to the heart of this play about the consequences of granting divine authority to an all-too-human man. In the lead role, Charles Edwards reveals a monarch that despite his age remains essentially immature—governed by impulse and vanity rather than reason or morals. After Richard took his land and banished him from the kingdom, Henry Bolingbroke returns in force to take back what is rightfully his while Richard is away at war in Ireland.
Recorded live at Shakespeare’s Globe. Includes one 15-minute intermission.
Critical praise:
- British Theatre - "The set design is both overwhelmingly beautiful and delightfully simple."
- The Guardian - 4/5 stars, "A briskly intelligent production that gives the play exceptional variety of texture."
- Independent - "This lucid and compelling production from Simon Godwin is highly recommended."