‘History is written by the victors’, an aphorism ascribed to many political figures, has never been more apt than in the shaping of the narrative around Richard III, the last Plantagenet king of England. Now Slade Wolfe Productions give Richard the opportunity to set the record straight in this entertaining and informative hour which will leave you questioning your perception of the ‘Hunchback King’
Andrew Slade is the eponymous King, entering cloaked and crooked backed as in popular conception before subverting expectations to reveal himself as a handsome and erudite nobleman. Over the course of the next hour, Richard proceeds to debunk the mythology created around his reign – chiefly created by the arch Tudor propagandist William Shakespeare – who defamed poor Richard to shore up the claim of the usurper Henry VII to the Crown. According to Richard, he was nothing but a benevolent King, prudent and wise and a loving Uncle to his beloved nephews, rather than the perpetrator of nepoticide of popular myth. The audience is asked to weigh the evidence given and then vote as to their opinion in the light of his evidence as to whether their opinion of his character had changed by the conclusion.
Slade is an engaging and plausible Richard and the historical detail he offers in support of his case is both detailed and compelling, he has clearly mastered his subject and fields arcane questions with practised ease at the conclusion. The weaving of the complex familial dynamics of The Wars of the Roses into a narrative is well judged and doesn’t stray too far from making it a drama rather than a dry discourse.
Both Shakespearean and Royal scholars will find this a fascinating examination, whilst there is enough narrative structure and personality to ensure this works well as a piece of theatre.
Reviewer: Paul Wilcox
Reviewed: 12th August 2025
North West End UK Rating:
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