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Richard II

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Richard II

By: William Shakespeare
Narrated by: Sir John Gielgud
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About this listen

A wonderful classic recording of some of the greatest actors performing Shakespeare for the first time release on digital download.

Richard II is the main character of the play. The first Act begins with King Richard sitting majestically on his throne in full state. We learn that Henry Bolingbroke, Richard's cousin, is having a dispute with Thomas Mowbray, and they both want the king to act as judge. The subject of the quarrel is Bolingbroke's accusation that Mowbray had squandered monies given to him by Richard for the King's soldiers. Bolingbroke also accuses Mowbray of the recent murder of Duke of Gloucester, although John of Gaunt—Gloucester's brother and Bolingbroke's father—believes that Richard himself was responsible for the murder. After several attempts to calm both men, Richard acquiesces and Bolingbroke and Mowbray challenge each other to a duel, over the objections of both Richard and Gaunt

©2010 HarperCollins Publishers Limited (P)2010 HarperCollins Publishers Limited Drama & Plays Shakespeare Royalty

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All stars
Most relevant  
John Gielgud is magnificent in his role as Richard and the supporting cast are wonderful.

One of shakespeares greatest plays

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What did you like best about Richard II? What did you like least?

The play is one of Shakespeare's best. However, Gielgud has not captured Richard at all and comes across as being totally out of character and probably too old to effectively portray Richard's somewhat immature nature. Joel MacCormack gives a much better performance as Richard in BBC Radio Shakespeare.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Richard II?

Sorry to say that my abiding memory of this recording is the lack lustre performance od Gielgud

Who might you have cast as narrator instead of Sir John Gielgud?

Sorry to say - Almost anyone !

Do you think Richard II needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

N/A

Any additional comments?

I would say that just because someone has a reputation as a Shakespearian Actor, it does not follow that they will be effective or suitable for all roles !!

Disappointiong - Mis-Casting

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