Beauty too rich for use, for earth too dear.

Beauty too rich for use, for earth too dear.

150 150 Ventnor Fringe

Admittedly I am not what you call an avid theatre goer. For those theatre buffs that are quick to scruinise I say nay and be silent!

Only having a brief knowledge of Richard II’s persecution, I was wholeheartedly consumed by this play. Scena Mundi, BRAVO! The first half starts with some quite tense and somewhat aggressive scenes showing the dissolution of King Richard II’s crown. Though despair is a prominent tone for King Richard toward the end of the first half something even more terrible but upholding unravels in the second half.

I think the coronation of this show is definitely part two.

The mutiny unravelling in the beginning comes to light as Henry Bolingbroke and the King’s former followers plot against the throne and take his crown. By the end of part one I was drunk with worry for what were to happen, though I knew the outcome was inevitably death (come on, it is Shakespeare).

But who would die?  The second half shares some of the wittier remarks we have grown to love from Shakespeare. Despite the content of it being somewhat more shocking, the build of relationship within the communion and King Richard’s soliloquy is breath affirming.

This show will immerse you as a loyal or perhaps more to the point un-loyal subject to King Richard II’s court.

“God save the king” and no loyal subject to call amen.

I must admit I had to bite my tongue otherwise I was would most certainly have been alongside Richard II in his fall from grace.