Tom Mothersdale as Richard III

Headlong to reopen Alexandra Palace Theatre with Richard III

By Robin Johnson First Published 11 October 2018, Last Updated 11 October 2018

John Haidar will direct Tom Mothersdale in an imaginative new staging of Richard III in Spring 2019.

Shakespeare’s most notorious and complex villain will be portrayed by Mothersdale in this unique staging, which will open at the Bristol Old Vic before transferring to London’s newly restored Alexandra Palace Theatre, which has been closed to the public for 80 years.

The Alexandra Palace Theatre has been subject to a three-year East Wing Restoration Project, and Richard III will serve as Alexandra Palace’s first ever co-production.

After decades of civil war, the nation hangs in the balance. Enter Richard, Duke of Gloucester, to change the course of history. Richard was not born to be a king, but he’s set his sights on the crown. So begins his campaign of deceit, manipulation and violence – and he’s killing it. Yet, behind his ambition lies a murderous desire to be loved.

Jeremy Herrin, Artistic Director of Headlong said, “Headlong is delighted to present Shakespeare’s enduringly vivid and pertinent enquiry into power. The production promises to be an investigation of the mind of a tyrant; and with Tom Mothersdale in the title role, and directed by the talented John Haidar, it promises to be a deeply engaging event.

“… it will be an honour to be the first theatrical production at the gloriously refurbished Alexandra Palace.”

Richard III will play at the Alexandra Palace Theatre between 13 March and 31 March 2019, with tickets available via the venue’s website.

Tagged:
alexandra palace theatre john haidar richard iii tom mothersdale

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