Find out more about Shakespeare's Henry VI Part II as well as information on current and past productions of the play.
Plot synopsis
Despite the recently concluded peace between England and France, dissension is rife within the English Court.
Suffolk's influence, both at court and with the new Queen Margaret, intensifies. Read more...
What happens in the other parts?
Henry VI Part I - The War Against France
After the premature coronation of the infant Henry VI, France, led by Joan of Arc, exploits the fierce power squabbles in England and battle to reclaim the French lands lost to Henry V.
Henry VI Part III - The Chaos
Henry VI concedes the House of York shall inherit the crown after his death, angering his wife who fights for the House of Lancaster. Fathers kill sons, sons kill fathers. The House of York prevails and Edward IV is crowned, unaware that his brother Richard, Duke of Gloucester, is plotting his downfall.
Who's who - the characters
Family tree for the houses of Lancaster and York. Read more.
Meet the acting ensemble
The same group of group of actors, directors, designers have worked together over two years on eight of Shakespeare's history plays. Between them, the actors will be playing 264 roles across the plays. Come and meet them.
Digitised picture archive
See pictures from productions of Henry VI Part II throughout the centuries. See more...
Read or listen to the play in advance
The RSC Shop has recordings of the plays and copies of the play texts available to buy online.
