Edward III

Synopsis

Only officially attributed to Shakespeare in 1998, Edward III chronicles the beginning of the 100 Years War and acts as a prequel to Richard II.

Our Review:

19 December 2002

This is the first London production of Edward III since it was attributed to Shakespeare (or, at least, he was deemed to have penned enough to lay claim to it). One senses that the RSC itself isn't too convinced of Shakespeare's authorship, given that the play has sneaked into the schedule in such a low-key way. In any case, it's a curious piece: the first third decidedly different from the later two-thirds, suggesting perhaps different authors.

The early scenes - in which Edward pursues the virtuous Countess of Salisbury while her husband is away in France - are the most interesting (and the most Shakespearean). There are some fascinating contrasts between a lusty king determined to have his own way and a woman determined to defend her honour. And when the king forces her father Warwick to intercede on his behalf, forcing a sad parent to pimp for his daughter, we realise that, even if not written by Shakespeare, these scenes sprang from the quill of a super...

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Latest User Review

USER: Whatsonstage.com (193.118.203.3) - 13 March 2003:

Absolutely brilliant. Surely it must be Shakespeare through and through. David Rintoul and Caroline Faber excelled. Ben Hicks was brilliant in his 'reading' (last Saturday). ...

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