Richard II (Dramatised)

By: William Shakespeare

Narrated by: The Marlowe Society

Richard II is the first of three plays (the others are Henry IV Parts 1 and 2 and Henry V) called a tetralogy or, as some others say, a Henriad.

The story opens with the King trying to adjudicate a quarrel between Bolingbroke and Mowbray. This escalates to a duel, but as that begins, Richard sends both into exile and thereby his troubles begin in earnest. In trying to wage monies for a war with Ireland, he enrages not only the nobles but the commoners too. When John of Gaunt, Bolingbrook’s father, dies and his land and monies are seized by Richard, Bolingbroke is encouraged to return. He does and so sets the stage for the overthrow of Richard and his own ascension as King Henry IV (Henry IV is also available in this series).

©2010 Horse's Mouth (P)2010 Horse's Mouth

Good performance, annoying noise

Would you try another book from William Shakespeare and/or The Marlowe Society?

Shakespeare, yes. The Marlowe Society, questionable.

What about The Marlowe Society’s performance did you like?

Overall performance is superb. But, the emoting of the Duchess of York in Act 5 is too excessive.

Any additional comments?

The noise in Act 5 (towards the end) is very annoying. This recording is not professionally produced.