David Farr production 2010

Act 4 Scene 6

Lear If thou wilt weep my fortunes, take my eyes. I know thee well enough; thy name is Gloucester.

In his madness, Lear (Greg Hicks) reaches lucidity. His conversation with Gloucester (Geoffrey Freshwater) reveals a new awareness of the world.

Photo by Manuel Harlan © RSC

Act 3 Scene 4

Lear (Greg Hicks) and Edgar disguised as Poor Tom (Charles Aitken).

Photo by Manuel Harlan © RSC

Act 2 Scene 3

Edgar The country gives me proof and precedent
Of Bedlam beggars, who, with roaring voices,
Strike in their numb'd and mortified bare arms
Pins, wooden pricks, nails, sprigs of rosemary; ...
'Poor Turlygod! poor Tom!'
That's something yet! Edgar I nothing am.

Out on the heath, Edgar (Charles Aitken) is alone and explains his plan to disguise himself as 'Poor Tom'.

Photo by Manuel Harlan © RSC

Act 3 Scene 7

Regan Go thrust him out at gates, and let him smell his way to Dover.

After her husband has blinded Gloucester (Geoffrey Freshwater, seated), Regan (Katy Stephens) orders her servants to cast him out.

Photo by Manuel Harlan © RSC

Act 3 Scene 2

Lear Blow, winds, and crack your cheeks! rage! blow!
You cataracts and hurricanoes, spout
Till you have drench'd our steeples, drown'd the cocks!
You sulph'rous and thought-executing fires,
Vaunt-couriers to oak-cleaving thunderbolts, / Singe my white head!

Out on the heath in a storm, Lear (Greg Hicks) appeals to the elements.

Photo by Manuel Harlan © RSC

Act 4 Scene 6

Gloucester O ruin'd piece of nature! This great world
Shall so wear out to naught. Dost thou know me?
Lear I remember thine eyes well enough.

Outside near Dover, Lear (Greg Hicks, left) has adorned himself with flowers and encounters the blind Gloucester (Geoffrey Freshwater).

Photo by Manuel Harlan © RSC

Act 1 Scene 1

Lear Tell me, my daughters ... Which of you shall we say doth love us most?

The ageing King Lear (Greg Hicks) announces that he will divide his kingdom between his daughters based on their answers to this question.

Photo by Manuel Harlan © RSC

Act 1 Scene 1

Lear How, how, Cordelia? Mend your speech a little, / Lest it may mar your fortunes.

King Lear (Greg Hicks) has asked his three daughters to tell him how much they love him, and is astounded when Cordelia says, 'Nothing'.

Photo by Manuel Harlan © RSC

Act 1 Scene 1

Dressed in her regal finery, Goneril (foreground, Kelly Hunter) listens as Cordelia (background, Samantha Young) angers their father.

Photo by Manuel Harlan © RSC

Kent (Darrell D'Silva)

Photo by Manuel Harlan © RSC

Act 1 Scene 1

Cordelia (Samantha Young)

Photo by Manuel Harlan © RSC

Act 3 Scene 2

Lear Rumble thy bellyful! Spit, fire! spout, rain!
Nor rain, wind, thunder, fire are my daughters.

Out on the heath, Lear (Greg Hicks ) roars to the storm, as The Fool (Sophie Russell) crouches at his feet.
(In the original production in 2010, The Fool was played by Kathryn Hunter.)

Photo by Manuel Harlan © RSC

Act 3 Scene 2

Fool O nuncle, court holy water in a dry house is better than this rain water out o' door.
Good nuncle, in, and ask thy daughters blessing! Here's a night pities nether wise men nor fools.

The storm rages on the heath. The Fool (Sophie Russell) tries to persuade Lear (Greg Hicks) to find shelter.
Staging the storm is a challenge for any director and designer of this play. In this production, a special effect enabled 'rain' to fall in this scene, concentrated on a small central area of the stage.

Photo by Manuel Harlan © RSC