The Wars of the Roses: Edward IV

THE SECOND INSTALLMENT OF THE WARS OF THE ROSES TRILOGY

Joely Richardson and Rufus Hound head up this gripping distillation of Shakespeare's Lancaster vs York plays, in a saga that bears more than a passing resemblance to historical/fantasy series Game of Thrones. Three plays, one 100 years war, all for the crown of England. Richardson stars as Princess Margaret of Anjou, whose story runs through all of the plays as a politically savvy woman with Rufus Hound as John Cade and other characters. Directed by award-winning Trevor Nunn, this play will run in rep with Henry VI and Richard III and is set to be a stunning revival of Shakespeare's works.

OUSTED, CROWNED AGAIN, BUT TROUBLE IS COMING...

The second play in the repertory is adapted from Shakespeare's Henry VI Parts I, II and III, and focuses on the intensifying conflict between all the parties that are grasping for power. The Civil War ebbs and flows as the throne changes hands, not once, but twice. The inexperienced and troubled Henry VI turns into a pacifist after he becomes disillusioned by the constant fighting; meanwhile his beautiful French wife Margaret of Anjou (Richardson) develops into a fiercesome queen who leads her army into battle against the House of York. Alas, the white rose triumphs, seeing the accession of young Edward IV to the throne, but a change of fortune sees the crown revert back to the Lancasters, with Henry VI reclaiming his legacy. However, neither house has seen the arrival of a certain young hunchbacked duke, who has his own designs on the future of England; his name is Richard.

For Part One: Henry VI Click here