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First look: Jonathan Bailey in rehearsals for 'Richard II'

Jonathan Bailey stars as the disastrous and politically incompetent King Richard II in Nicholas Hytner's Bridge Theatre production. Performances begin on 10 February.

Olivia Rook
Olivia Rook

Jonathan Bailey returns to the stage in Nicholas Hytner's production of Shakespeare's history play Richard II, which chronicles the downfall of a charismatic king, famed for his poor political decisions.

Bailey, who is best known for his star turns in Bridgerton and the new Wicked film, is joined by Michael Simkins (The Crown, Silent Witness), Royce Pierreson, Christopher Osikanlu Colquhoun, Olivia Popica, Amanda Root, Phoenix Di Sebastiani, and Clive Wood among others.

Bailey won an Olivier Award for his portrayal of Jamie in Company and played Edgar to Ian McKellen’s King Lear at Chichester Festival Theatre in 2017. His most recent stage role was in Cock at the Ambassadors Theatre in 2022.

Check out these first-look photos of Bailey and the rest of the cast in rehearsals.

Book Richard II tickets on LondonTheatre.co.uk

Full Richard II Cast 1200 LT richard ii

Full cast of Richard II

Jonathan Bailey 1200 LT richard ii

Jonathan Bailey

Olivia Popica, Michael Simkins 1200 LT richard ii

Olivia Popica and Michael Simkins

Jonathan Bailey 1200 LT richard ii

Jonathan Bailey

Royce Pierreson 1200 LT richard ii

Royce Pierreson

Jordan Kouamé 1200 LT richard ii

Jordan Kouamé

Nicholas Hytner, Jonathan Bailey 1200 LT richard ii

Nicholas Hytner and Jonathan Bailey

Christopher Osikanlu Colquhoun, Badria Timimi 1200 LT richard ii

Christopher Osikanlu Colquhoun and Badria Timimi

Book Richard II tickets on LondonTheatre.co.uk

Photos courtesy of production

Frequently asked questions

What is Richard II about?

Shakespeare’s Richard II returns to the stage starring Olivier Award-winning actor Jonathan Bailey (Fellow Travelers, Bridgerton).

How long is Richard II?

The running time of Richard II is 2hr 40min. Incl 1 interval.

Where is Richard II playing?

Richard II is playing at Bridge Theatre. The theatre is located at 3 Potters Fields Park, London, SE1 2SG.

How do you book tickets for Richard II?

Book tickets for Richard II on London Theatre.

What's the age requirement for Richard II?

The recommended age for Richard II is Ages 12+..

Who wrote Richard II?

William Shakespeare wrote the play.

Who directed Richard II?

Tony and Olivier winning director Nicholas Hytner (The History Boys, Carousel) stages the show.

Is Richard II appropriate for kids?

This play is best for children ages 12 and above as there is some violence that may not be suitable for young children.

Is Richard II good?

Richard II is a fantastic Shakespearean play that has stood the test of time and been staged throughout the centuries. This play stars the exceptional Jonathan Bailey (Fellow Travelers, Bridgerton) and has an incredibly talented, award-winning creative team.

Originally published on

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