MICHELLE TERRY LEADS AN ALL-FEMALE AND GENDER FLUID CAST IN THIS PRODUCTION OF RICHARD III

By Emma Carney | Bunny Pudding · Digital Coven · @bunnyscopes ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Press Invite

Content guidance: The play contains violence and death, including drowning, decapitation and child violence, the use of knives and stage blood, and strong language.

Gotta love Shakespeare, he certainly could write about the big stuff and as trigger warnings go Richard III is full of them. If you’re going to watch or indeed perform Shakespeare there is no better place to do it than at the legendary Globe theatre. Ideally, if watching rather than performing, it’s best done seated with a pillow (trust me on this, you will appreciate the pillow) and a glass of whatever you fancy in your hand.

Unfortunately, on this opening night the heavens opened and decided to really add to the atmosphere of this classic play. The cast shone and put on a performance that lifted the spirits but it was a wee bit wet for everyone involved. Hats off to everyone standing in the stalls that evening. We salute you.

Director Elle While and Shakespeare’s Globe’s artistic director Michelle Terry, who performs the lead role in a bold and comedic performance leads an all-female or gender-fluid cast in this production of Richard III.

IT DOESN’T MATTER WHAT YOU ARE WATCHING, IF IT’S BEING PERFORMED AT THE GLOBE IT’S AN EXPERIENCE IN ITSELF

Marianne Oldham as Elizabeth, plays the former Queen and Mother with emotion and determination as she navigates the tragedies that befall her. Helen Schlesinger portrays the downfall of a once confident Buckingham with nuance as their demise is finally revealed to them. The Ensemble is exceptional and the young cast were particularly good, especially for what could be such an intimidating staging.

The work by Designer E.M. Parry was fabulous and I need to give a shout out to the costumes, especially the outfits worn by Elizabeth which I would happily wear anywhere for a bit of drama, they were stunning. I was also particularly fond of Richard’s fur and faux torso number. Love that Ken-ergy.

I was a bit sad not to have the “my kingdom for a horse” line, but that’s just me having a geeky moment in the globe, and that is valid. To be honest it doesn’t matter what you are watching, if it’s being performed at the Globe it’s an experience in itself and once worth doing at least once. Be sure to check the weather report before making any bookings if choosing to stand in the stalls.

I can’t wait to go back, come rain or shine – I just won’t be walking over any trap doors whilst I am here!

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Photo Credit: Marc Brenner

CREATIVES

Associate Director: Indiana Lown-Collins
Casting Director: Becky Paris
Composer: James Maloney

Musical Director / Saxophones: Zac Gvi
Designer: E.M. Parry
Director: Elle While

Fight Director: Rachel Bown-Williams
Movement Director: Jess Williams
Voice & Text: Nia Lynn

CAST

Catrin Aaron: HASTINGS / TYRELL
Rosalind Blessed: EXECUTIONER / CITIZEN / ENSEMBLE / COVER
Hayley Carmichael: DUCHESS OF YORK

Sam Crerar: RICHMOND / CATESBY
Katie Erich: LADY ANNE
Sarah Finigan: KING EDWARD / MAYOR

Poppy Miller: MARGARET
Marianne Oldham: ELIZABETH
Helen Schlesinger: BUCKINGHAM

Kibong Tanji: CLARENCE / STANLEY
Michelle Terry:RICHARD, DUKE OF GLOUCESTER
Em Thane: RIVERS / COMMISSIONER

Ayla Wheatley: MESSENGER / ENSEMBLE / COVER
Tanika Yearwood: GREY / RATCLIFFE
Michelle Terry: RICHARD, DUKE OF GLOUCESTER / Creative Director