2007: Michael Boyd production

Edward's party 

Before starting his first speech, Jonathan Slinger as Richard stands holding a cloth bundle 'baby'. This is an echo from the ending of director Michael Boyd's production Henry VI Part 3 which ended with Richard in the same pose.

Photo by Ellie Kurttz © RSC

Act 1 Scene 1

Richard   Grim-visaged war hath smooth'd his wrinkled front

Jonathan Slinger (Richard) rehearses with Charlie Hamblett (Edward). Edward is presented as a perfect boy, while Richard is an imperfect man.

Each child role is shared between three children because children's working hours are restricted.

Photo by Ellie Kurttz © RSC

Edward's party 

The cast move past Richard in a slow-motion party for Edward who is now 12 years old. The audience has become used to seeing fierce battles bursting from the tower - this joyful party was a powerful contrast.

This moment in rehearsal was staged in the theatre but it wasn't seen in the finished production - it was cut in previews.

Photo by Ellie Kurttz © RSC

Edward x 5

These boys shared the roles of Prince Edward and Edward Plantagenet.
The children attended rehearsals one day per week and swapped over every half an hour. The actors are encouraged to move scenes forward rather than copy each other.

Photo by Ellie Kurttz © RSC

Act 1 Scene 4

Clarence   O, I have pass'd a miserable night, So full of ugly sights, of ghastly dreams

Jimmy Tucker (Clarence) rehearses Act 1 Scene 4. He's sitting on the bed which will be used in the finished production.

Photo by Ellie Kurttz © RSC

Act 1 Scene 4

Vaughan   Take him over the costard with the hilts of thy sword, and then we will chop him in the malmsey-butt in the next room.

Nick Asbury (left, Vaughan) and Keith Dunphy (Lovell) rehearse Act 1 Scene 4.
The company decided to change this line because 'malmsey-butt' isn't used in modern English.
It was changed to 'vat of malmsey wine'.

Photo by Ellie Kurttz © RSC

Act 1 Scene 4

Lovell   Thy voice is thunder, but thy looks are humble. 

Keith Dunphy (Lovell) approaches Jimmy Tucker (Clarence). The knife used in the finished production was much larger than this one.

The Deputy Stage Manager sits in every rehearsal and makes note about any props needed in rehearsals. They are then sent to the London rehearsal room by the Props team in Stratford-upon-Avon.

Photo by Ellie Kurttz © RSC

Act 1 Scene 4

Lovell   If all this will not do, I'll drown you in the vat of malmsey wine.

Keith Dunphy (Lovell), Nick Asbury (Vaughan) and Jimmy Tucker (Clarence) rehearse Act 1 Scene 4. The actors have worked together in the ensemble for a year so trust each other when working on fights. Fight Director Terry King polished up this moment for the finished production.

Photo by Ellie Kurttz © RSC

Act 2 Scene 2

Elizabeth   I'll join with black despair against my soul, And to myself become an enemy. 

Ann Ogbomo, as Elizabeth, threatens to kill herself in Act 2 Scene 2.

Photo by Ellie Kurttz © RSC

Act 2 Scene 2

Elizabeth    Give me no help in lamentation 

Ann Ogbomo and Chris McGill (playing Elizabeth and her son Grey) rehearse Act 2 Scene 2.

Photo by Ellie Kurttz © RSC