King John

Synopsis

England versus France, peace versus war, might versus right, private passion versus public duty, King John has them all. He is a virtuoso politician with an uncontrollable passion for the crown - a hero and a villain. The play is powered by the politics of war with the future of England at stake. All goes well for King John and his tactically brilliant political manoeuvres, until the Pope's ambassador interferes. War and torture ensue, and King John's hold on the crown slips away.

Our Review:

7 August 2006

Shakespeare’s King John is his least performed play and not ranked among his best work. Frankly you can see why. It is somewhat disjointed, and required the invention of an illegitimate nephew to link the personnel and narrative. Nonetheless, flawed Shakespeare still merits attention and Josie Rourke’s new production for the RSC brings clarity and humour to the convoluted story.

Richard McCabe’s John is a petulant, strutting, spoilt youngest son, his dubious claim to the throne continually threatened. He clings onto it through the political ruthlessness of his mother, Eleanor (an imperious Sorcha Cusack): his tenuous grip on power starts to slip the moment she dies.

Indeed it is mainly the female characters who have true resolve and understanding of the realpolitik: John’s niece Blanche (Morven Christie) has no romantic delusion about her political marriage of convenience to the Dauphin (Rupert Evans) but is genuinely distressed when (litera...

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Latest User Review

62.253.96.46) - 18 September 2006:

Towering performances from Richard McCabe and the ever-excellent Joseph Millson and strong, clear direction from Josie Rourke make this an enjoyable production of a rarely performed play. The mix of humour and intense emotion is compelling. Highly recommended. ...

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