The Tragedy of King Richard III

This adaptation of Shakespeare's famous play has been designed to ask a lot of questions. Seemingly inspired by the excavation of King Richard's skeleton in a Leicestershire car park in 2012, the writers have abandoned the use of previous contemporary outlooks and have attempted to devise a new concept of theatre, viewing certain aspects from different angles whilst incorporating a little 'shake, rattle and roll' into the mix. Bones not included.

Revolutionise is a good word to sum up the relevant details in the story as well as the writers' stance on history versus the creative industry and the concept of how the creator, performer and public individually view a work of art, be it theatre, music, sculpture, whatever. A philosophical approach can add depth to any project, but it needs to be used tactfully so it doesn't mar the common denominator: is this designed to be an entertainment for a paying audience or is there something the writer wants to say? Indigestion can be a curse, but there are remedies about.

There are interesting ideas in this play, touches of humour, even a little music, but some of them are well depleted and strangled by the end of their initial exposition. Look at, for example, the frenetic scene with Shakespeare, played by Todd MacDonald, where he is plagued by his creative juices, dark horses and critics, amongst others. And all that blood ..... ugh!

Great performances by Naomi Price, Helen Howard and newcomer Atticus Robb.

Not a play for the masses, this so-called, to quote, 'unconscious' and 'excavative' modern slant on history, politics, the monarchy, individuality, universal truths and the creative industries certainly has us asking questions, except the answers don't flood the brain as much as the blood-stained stage.

Brian Adamson\

Photographer: Dylan Evans