Rehearsal images released for Jonathan Bailey in RICHARD II

Emmie Newitt 7 January, 2025, 10:00

Nicholas Hytner's fresh take on Shakespeare's subtle, caustic and powerful play has begun rehearsals with the production opening next month.

jonathan bailey richard ii bridge theatre Jonathan Bailey in rehearsals for Richard II. Photo by Craig Sugden.

We have our first look at Richard II in rehearsals.

Beginning performances at the Bridge Theatre on 10 February, the cast stars Jonathan Bailey (Wicked) as Richard II, with Royce Pierreson (The Witcher) as Henry Bullingbrook, Christopher Osikanlu Colquhoun (Absentia) as Earl of Northumberland, Olivia Popica (The Wheel of Time) as Queen Isabel, Amanda Root (Romeo and Juliet) as Alice Green and the Duchess of York, Phoenix Di Sebastiani (The Great) as Thomas Mowbray and Groom, and Clive Wood (London’s Burning, Theatre Royal Haymarket) as John of Gaunt. Returning to the Bridge Theatre is Michael Simkins (Guys & Dolls, Bridge Theatre) as the Duke of York.

The cast is completed by Adam Best (Twelfth Night, National Theatre) as Sir John Bagot, Seamus Dillane (The Invention of Love, Hampstead Theatre) as Lord Surrey, Vinnie Heaven (Cowbois, RSC) as Aumerle, Jordan Kouamé (The Mirror and the Light, RSC) as Sir John Bushy and Harry Percy, Gerard Monaco (A View from the Bridge, Duke of York’s Theatre) as Sir Stephen Scroop and Keeper, George Taylor (The Lady In The Van) as Lord Fitzwater, and Badria Timimi (Our Girl, My Brilliant Friend – National Theatre) as Abbess of Carlisle. Understudies are Emma Bown (Sex Education), Martin Carroll (The Royal Hunt of the Sun, National Theatre) and Stephan Boyce (Aladdin, Lyric Hammersmith).

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Designed by Bob Crowley, the creative team includes Lighting Design by Bruno Poet (Tina – The Tina Turner Musical) and Sound Design by Carolyn Downing (Life of Pi). Grant Olding (The Book of Dust, Bridge Theatre) is the Composer. The Casting Director is Robert Sterne (Game of Thrones) and Christopher Worrall is Casting Associate. Lily Dyble is Associate Director, Jaimie Todd is Associate Designer, Max Narula is Associate Lighting Designer, Charlie Smith is Associate Sound Designer. Eleanor Dolan is the Costume Supervisor and Lily Mollgaard is the Props Supervisor.

Richard II is a historical play that explores the downfall of King Richard II, who loses his throne to Henry Bolingbroke due to his mismanagement of power and divine authority.

Richard II will play at the Bridge Theatre from 10 February until 10 May 2025.

Richard II Tickets