The Duke of York (Bernard Hill) stakes his claim to the throne, but when he dies in battle, the issue is taken up among his sons who install Edward (Brian Protheroe), the eldest, on the throne. Henry VI (Peter Benson) relents, but his wife Margaret (Julia Foster) will not give up royalty so easily and fights on...

Julia Foster makes for a ferocious, ruthless Margaret and is contrasted well with Benson, who generates sympathy for his weakling king as he is caught up helplessly in events once more, with fatal results. Paul Jesson makes for an interesting Clarence. Stand alone versions of Richard III depict this character as a hapless dupe. This play shows he is definitely not and Jessop captures it brilliantly. Ron Cook is finally starting to cut loose as the treacherous Richard, as he begins his murderous path towards the English crown. Brian Protheroe is a blustering Edward, making an arrogant, self-righteous tyrant of the character.

The sets, once so colourful, are turned pitch-black then snowy white in the heat and cold of bloody battle. The lensing and camera-work are very good, with a multitude of moments and speeches being captured in a single take.

As Richard skulks out of his brothers celebration party, one can only dread what lies in store in the final episode of the Histories Cycle, Richard III.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:

In alphabetical order

• Director: Jane Howell
• Produced: Jonathan Miller
• Adapted: William Shakespeare’s original play

The Duke of York (Bernard Hill) stakes his claim to the throne, but when he dies in battle, the issue is taken up among his sons who install Edward (Brian Protheroe), the eldest, on the throne. Henry VI (Peter Benson) relents, but his wife Margaret (Julia Foster) will not give up royalty so easily and fights on...

Julia Foster makes for a ferocious, ruthless Margaret and is contrasted well with Benson, who generates sympathy for his weakling king as he is caught up helplessly in events once more, with fatal results. Paul Jesson makes for an interesting Clarence. Stand alone versions of Richard III depict this character as a hapless dupe. This play shows he is definitely not and Jessop captures it brilliantly. Ron Cook is finally starting to cut loose as the treacherous Richard, as he begins his murderous path towards the English crown. Brian Protheroe is a blustering Edward, making an arrogant, self-righteous tyrant of the character.

The sets, once so colourful, are turned pitch-black then snowy white in the heat and cold of bloody battle. The lensing and camera-work are very good, with a multitude of moments and speeches being captured in a single take.

As Richard skulks out of his brothers celebration party, one can only dread what lies in store in the final episode of the Histories Cycle, Richard III.

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