Richard III: The Man & the Myth - a talk by Alison Weir
On Saturday 7th May 2016, respected author and historian Alison Weir is visiting Ipswich to present her exciting talk Richard III: The Man & the Myth as part of Red Rose Chain’s run of Shakespeare’s Richard III at The Avenue Theatre in Ipswich.
The UK’s biggest-selling female historian, Alison Weir is a supporter of Red Rose Chain theatre company through Joanna Carrick’s critically acclaimed play Fallen In Love, which was performed at Gippeswyk Hall before touring to The Tower of London to rave reviews in 2013. In 2015, Alison Weir visited Red Rose Chain’s own theatre, The Avenue, to watch Joanna’s new history play Progress, about Queen Elizabeth I’s visit to Ipswich in 1561, which Alison praised as “drama worthy of The Globe”.
This year, Joanna Carrick has turned her attention to creating an incarnation of Richard III, starring Lawrence Russell, who is as relatable as he is complex. The play mixes spine-chilling suspense with comedy and seduction and marks the first time Shakespeare’s work will be performed inside the theatre, ahead of Red Rose Chain’s annual summer spectacular Theatre in the Forest performed at Jimmy’s Farm.
To award-winning author Alison Weir, Shakespeare’s Richard III demonstrates how the historical record can be distorted and misinterpreted. It depicts Richard III’s Machiavellian rise to power and subsequent short reign which lasted from 1483 to 1485, portraying him as a sinister, bloody tyrant, a monstrous being incredible in any historical context. Yet the play has been hugely influential. Richard III has always been an enigmatic, charismatic and controversial character, and furious debate still rages in regard to whether or not he ordered the murder of the Princes in the Tower.
The recent discovery of bones that may be his has prompted huge public interest. Shakespeare’s powerful dramatic portrayal of him has had enormous impact on perceptions of the historical Richard. But Shakespeare drew on historical sources, and it is on these that Richard’s reputation largely rests. Alison Weir has studied those sources for many years, and her research shows that the truth is stranger – and far more complex – than the fiction. Be prepared for some challenging insights!
Alison’s talk Richard III: The Man & the Myth will take place on Saturday 7th May at 6pm, bookable for free for ticket holders of either the matinee or evening Richard III performance on 7th May.
Shakespeare’s Richard III runs from 6 May to 4 June at The Avenue Theatre, Ipswich. To book your tickets call 01473 603388 or visit www.redrosechain.com
