Richard III, Starring Tony Winner Mark Rylance, Begins Performances on Broadway

A winter of discontent has now descended on Broadway’s Belasco Theatre, with Richard III starting performances on October 19. Two-time Tony winner Mark Rylance appears in the titular role and leads an all male cast. The show is set to open November 10.

The Broadway debut of Shakespeare's Globe productions, the play tells the story of Richard, Duke of Gloucester, who is determined that he should wear the crown of England. He has already dispatched one king and that king's son; now all that stand in his way are two credulous brothers and two helpless nephews - the Princes in the Tower. And woe betide those - the women he wrongs, the henchmen he betrays - who dare to raise a voice against him.

The production features live music played on traditional Elizabethan instruments with the stage lit almost exclusively by the glow of 100 candles. Audiences will witness the pre-show ritual of actors dressing and preparing their makeup on stage.

Directed by Tim Carroll, in addition to Rylance, principal cast members include Stephen Fry, Samuel Barnett, Liam Brennan, Paul Chahidi, John Paul Connolly, Peter Hamilton Dyer, Colin Hurley and Jethro Skinner.

*Richard III is playing in repertory with Twelfth Night.