Richard III – Summer Show

So I come to the final post in this triumvirate of wafflings about Masque Theatre. This year’s summer show is Richard III, directed by John Myhill and superbly assisted by Becki Cockcroft. I’m in it! It’s been a fun rehearsal process so far. We’ve mostly held rehearsals outside to try and stem the possibility of Covid taking out half of the cast at an inopportune time. And when the cast numbers thirty, there’s a lot of moving parts, but everyone is taking to their characters well and pulling their weight. I’ve seen quite a bit of the show and I’m impressed. Special mention goes to Isaac Griggs who is playing the title role. From my very first rehearsal, he knew his lines and his characterisation was already advanced. He’s been the driving force behind the production because he has set the standard that the rest of us must match.

Richard III is a twisted play about an evil King in wanting who will stop at nothing and murder anyone who gets in his way or just, you know, looks at him funny. It charts Richard, Duke of Gloucester and his bloody rise to the throne, by murdering family, friends and marrying the widow of one of his victims. It’s a cheerful comedy about love and… o sorry that’s a different show. It’s a dark history but most scholars say, not entirely true to that history. It was written in the reign of Queen Elizabeth, who happened to be Shakespeare’s patron and her grandfather was Richmond, who evolves into King Henry VII, the hero of the piece. There’s a possibility that Shakespeare played up the wickedness of Richard and lionised Richmond to curry favour with his patron. I happen to be playing that ‘hero.’ I’m a little sceptical about his heroic nature, as once Richmond is to be King, his thoughts become a little demanding. As if the ‘weight’ of the crown is dragging him down.

The play is on from Thursday 28 July to Saturday 6 August. No show on Sunday 31 July. Venue – Abington Park Museum. Start time is 7:30pm. There is seating provided (bring a cushion!) and there are a limited amount of lovely refreshments to be bought. There are certain conditions in which the play will not go ahead mainly due to the weather and there are rules on refunds etc. Tickets are on sale at £12.00 for an adult plus booking fee. It’s a bargain for such great entertainment! All information can be found by clicking the button below.