Almeida Live: Richard III

ON Thursday, July 21, at 7pm, Darlington's Vue cinema will showing the live-screening debut of The Almeida Theatre's explosive new adaptation of Richard III, directed Rupert Goold with Ralph Fiennes as Shakespeare’s most notorious villain and Vanessa Redgrave as Queen Margaret.

The Stage reports that Almeida artistic director Rupert Goold’s project is a more timeless production – placeless even – with mobile phones and double-breasted suit jackets worn alongside swords and suits of armour. Opening with the excavation of Richard’s body from its resting place beneath a Leicester car park, it presents Richard as less of a Shakespearean caricature, and more of a threat.

Fiennes is making a quick return to the stage after recent outings at the Old Vic and National Theatre, with a supporting cast that includes David Annen, Joseph Arkley, Tom Canton, Daniel Cerquiera, Simon Coates, Susan Engel, James Garnon, Mark Hadfield, Scott Handy, Finbar Lynch, Aislín McGuckin, Joseph Mydell, Joshua Riley and Joanna Vanderham. The set, dominated by a huge overheard crown, is designed by Hildegard Bechtler. Costume is by Jon Morrell, sound by Adam Cork, and lighting by Jon Clark.

War-torn England is reeling after years of bitter conflict. King Edward is ailing, and as political unrest begins to stir once more, Edward’s brother Richard – vicious in war, despised in peacetime – awaits the opportunity to seize his brother’s crown.

Through the malevolent Richard, Shakespeare examines the all-consuming nature of the desire for power amid a society riddled by conflict.

Box Office: myvue.com or 07812240240

Viv Hardwick