Richard III 1994

Performed by the LSC in the Nave of Lincoln Cathedral

2nd - 5th November 1994

Director: Colin Brimblecombe

Assistant Director: Dave Clayton

Music: Nikki-Kate Heyes and Rob Smith

Cast

Richard, Duke of Gloucester: Simon CLark

George, Duke of Clarence: Rob Smith

Sir William Catesby: Paul Corbett

Lord Hastings: Neil Perkins

Lady Anne: Jo Smith

Queen Elizabeth: Jo Clark

Lord Rivers: John Armitage

Duke of Buckingham: Dave Clayton

Stanley: Colin Brimblecombe

Queen Margaret: Karen Harrison

1st Murderer: Simon Hollingworth

2nd Murderer: Oliver Clark

Edward IV: Richard Jones

Duchess of York: Linda Downing

Edward: Oliver Clark

Bishop of Ely: Richard Jones

Richard, Duke of York: Angela Gunstone

Sir Richard Ratcliffe: Oliver Clark

Sir James Tyrell: Simon Hollingworth

Henry, Earl of Richmond: Simon Hollingworth

Sir James Blunt: Richard Jones

Messengers: Rob Smith, Richard Jones and John Armitage

Richard, Duke of Gloucester is determined to become King of England and will let nothing and nobody stand in his way. As Edward IV's younger brother he disposes of his other brother Clarence by tricking the King into signing the death warrant and ensuring his immediate execution. When the King too is dead, Richard is named lord protectorand sends Edward's two young sons to the tower for 'safekeeping'. Richard plots with Buckingham to take the crown and those who show reluctance are quickly despatched! Feigning reticence and with Buckingham's public urging, Richard is crowned King and immediately plans to consolidate his position by haivng the young princes murdered. Buckingham has no stomach for deed and flees, so Tyrell arranges the murder. The Earl of Richmond invades and meets Richard on Bosworth Field. Nuckingham is caught and executed and in the ansuing battle, Richard is killed and Richmond takes the crown as Henry VII (Queen Elizabeth's grandfather).

"I remember being a pall bearer in Richard III in the cathedral and bringing in the body of Henry VI in complete silence, save for the noise of my suddenly incredibly squeaky shoe. I was also Richmond and shall never forget the feeling and noise from shooting King Richard in the head as he screamed "A horse, a horse, my kingdom for a horse!" It was only afterwards that I realised Simon Clark (Richard III) avoided permanent deafness by wearing green earplugs for the scene every night."

Simon Hollingworth, 'Richmond', 'First Murderer', and 'Sir James Tyrell'.

"High quality entertainment"

JP, Lincoln Standard November 1994