Being the fourth centenary of his death this is likely to be another particularly
Shakespeare-heavy year, but my first visit of the year is, as it often has been, to
the Faction's annual residency at the New Diorama. Mark
Leipacher directs a revised version of the company's first-ever production,
Richard III, with the aptly-named Christopher York playing the title role.
Opening with a dance-like fight scene, this is a young and powerful Dick, who we see
being instrumental in getting York victory in the Wars of the Roses. The youngest of
the brothers, though, he ends up several steps away from real power, and turns his
easy brutality on his own family. With Edward IV (Richard Delaney) nearing death,
Richard despatches with middle brother Clarence (Lachlan McCall) before starting a
rumour that Edward's sons and heirs are illegitimate. Ruthlessly disposing of anyone
who might object, he manoeuvres himself into position until he's being begged to
take the crown for himself.
