Paramount Presents: National Theatre Live in HD – The Tragedy of King Richard the Second

???? “A timely portrait of a country in chaos…Simon Russell Beale is a great Shakespearean actor, capable of exquisite vulnerability and ravenous passion.” – Evening Standard

???? “Simon Russell Beale proves himself our foremost Shakespearean actor…A fresh and challenging evening. A stripped-back and arresting production.”  – Independent

???? “Simon Russell Beale is excellent.” – The Times

Simon Russell Beale plays William Shakespeare’s Richard II, broadcast live from the stage of the Almeida Theatre in London to cinemas.

This visceral new production about the limits of power will be directed by Joe Hill-Gibbins, whose previous plays include Little Revolution at the Almeida and Absolute Hell at the National Theatre.

Richard II, King of England, is irresponsible, foolish, and vain. His weak leadership sends his kingdom into disarray and his court into uproar. Seeing no other option but to seize power, the ambitious Bolingbroke challenges the throne and the king’s divine right to rule.

Simon Russell Beale returns to National Theatre Live screens following broadcasts of Timon of Athens and King Lear, and his recent role in the National Theatre’s critically acclaimed production of The Lehman Trilogy.