David Farr 2010 production

David Farr directed King Lear after directing the same ensemble in The Winter's Tale in 2009.

This production played in the Courtyard Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon before Newcastle, London and the Lincoln Center, New York. Farr's King Lear was also one of the first shows to play in the re-opened Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford in early 2011.

Man sitting on throne in a fur-lined coat and wearing a golden crown — Greg Hicks in David Farr's King Lear.
Photo by Manuel Harlan © RSC Browse and license our images

Production photos

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 Browse and license our images

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 Browse and license our images

Act 3 Scene 4

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

Photo by Manuel Harlan © RSC Browse and license our images

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 Browse and license our images

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 Browse and license our images

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 Browse and license our images

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 Browse and license our images

Act 1 Scene 1

Cordelia (Samantha Young)

Photo by Manuel Harlan © RSC Browse and license our images

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 Browse and license our images

Kent (Darrell D'Silva)

Photo by Manuel Harlan © RSC Browse and license our images

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 Browse and license our images

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 Browse and license our images

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 Browse and license our images

Cast & Creatives

Company

Charles Aitken - Edgar
Adam Burton - Knight/Messenger/Captain
Brian Doherty - King of France
Darrell D'Silva - Kent
Phillip Edgerley - Knight/Doctor/Servant/Albany's Officer
Geoffrey Freshwater - Gloucester
Paul Hamilton - Knight/Cornwall's Servant
Greg Hicks - King Lear
Janes Howard - Knight
Kelly Hunter - Goneril
Ansu Kabia - Burgundy/Herald/British Soldier
Tunji Kasim - Edmund
John Mackay - Albany
Sandy Neilson - Knight
Sophie Russell - Fool
Christopher Saul - Lear's Gentleman
Clarence Smith - Cornwall
Katy Stephens - Regan
James Tucker - Oswald
Hannah Young - Nurse
Samantha Young - Cordelia
Larrington Walker - Knight/Old Man

Creatives

Director - David Farr
Designer - Jon Bausor
Lighting - Jon Clark
Music - Keith Clouston
Sound - Christopher Shutt
Movement - Ann Yee
Fights - Kate Waters

Videos

Trailer: King Lear 2010 © RSC Browse and license our images

Act 1, Scene 4: King Lear 2010 © RSC Browse and license our images

Act 4, Scene 2: King Lear 2010 © RSC Browse and license our images

Act 5, scene 3: King Lear 2010 © RSC Browse and license our images

You might also like