Rylance's Richard is spine-chilling at Apollo

The BAFTA, Tony and Olivier award-winning Mark Rylance upholds his reputation as one of the most compelling actors today with his performance as Richard III at the Apollo Theatre. This production, which began life at Shakespeare's Globe has earned itself a West End transfer: Ryland's gripping performances as the Machiavellian King combined with the authentic original practices which feature make this one of the most vital Shakespearean revivals around.

Director Tim Carroll has rallied an all-male cast, composer Claire Van Kampen and designer Jenny Tiramani to conjure an authentic Elizabethan atmosphere. The score, costumes and performances combine to evoke the feeling of this play as it would have originally been performed, and the result is a thoroughly entrancing production. This is not to be missed by anyone who appreciates drama at its finest.

What is Richard III about?

Shakespeare's historical play concerns King Richard III of the House of York. He is a scheming, conniving monarch who will happily dispatch anyone who threatens his grip on the throne. His enemies are assassinated left, right and center, including the father and husband of his queen, Anne, and unsurprisingly, his popularity diminishes.

Richard becomes paranoid as a rebellion mounts. The Earl of Richmond has led his rebels to Bosworth field, where they prepare to meet the desperate Richard for a battle which will shape the course of history...