The Whole Pack bring their new version of Shakespeare’s historical Richard II to Camden Fringe this month.
“Once a king, all-powerful by divine right; now a prisoner. Set within the intimate confines of Richard’s prison cell, this stark, all-female production explores one of Shakespeare’s most psychologically complex characters through the perspective of his own memory and imagination.
“For within the hollow crown that rounds the mortal temples of a king keeps Death his court.””
Where: The Libra Theatre Cafe
When: 18 Aug, 20-21 Aug
Ticket link: https://camdenfringe.com/events/richard-ii/
What’s your show about and what inspired it?
Shakespeare’s Richard II is about the deposing of King Richard II by his cousin Henry Bolingbroke.
It’s a tragedy about the downfall of a man who thought he was more than a man, only to realise his own humanity too late.
We’ve put our own twist on the story by setting it entirely within Richard’s prison cell and telling the story as if in flashback as Richard relives his experiences from the confines of his imprisonment.
Thus, we experience the story through the lens of Richard’s personal perspective; as this is one of Shakespeare’s most psychologically complex characters, this has been a fascinating process.
The inspiration for this was a speech Richard makes towards the end of the play when he is in prison and, in his isolation, imagines his thoughts as the people who fill his world.
We’re using this speech as a framing device for our production.
Why should someone come to see your show and what might they expect?
The production is an intimate excavation of a fascinating character. Our rehearsal process has provoked much discussion on the themes of this play — failed leadership, power, identity and many more — and how these are reflected in our world today.
Our cast and crew, as with every Whole Pack production, are all female, which we also belive brings a unique perspective to our work.
Expect an experience which is both thought-provoking and playful, with moments of humour and tragedy, underscored by live singing with The Whole Pack’s trademark haunting harmonies.
How did you make a start in the business?
The Whole Pack was started by four female theatre professionals who met while touring with a production together.
We shared a vision to create exciting, entertaining theatre that puts women in the spotlight and creates more opportunities for women in Shakespeare, and so The Whole Pack was born.
Richard II is our second production. Our inaugural production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream toured last winter.
Do you have a favourite type of venue to work in?
We’ve been lucky enough to perform in a range of exciting spaces, from village halls and cafes to historic houses and more traditional theatre spaces.
Each venue offers a totally different feel and experience and breathes new life into every show.
It’s impossible to choose a favourite, however, we are big fans of the Libra Theatre Cafe, where we are returning for the second time with Richard II — it’s such a welcoming, characterful and intimate venue, and very supportive of emerging companies like ours.
What’s next for the show?
We’d love to take Richard II further. There is a possibility of an Edinburgh Fringe run in 2026 and we’d love to give it a longer run in London in the near future, so keep an eye on our social media for updates!