Find out more about Shakespeare's Richard II as well as information on current and past productions of the play.
Plot synopsis
Before King Richard, Bolingbroke accuses Mowbray of embezzling crown funds and of plotting the death of his uncle, the Duke of Gloucester. They will not be reconciled.
The widowed Duchess of Gloucester pleads with Gaunt to avenge the death of her husband. But Gaunt can do nothing because it is the King who is responsible for his brother Gloucester's death. Read more...
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 Richard 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.
