Review: Richard III at the RSC, Stratford

Richard III

Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon

This polished, wildly energetic show marks the start of the 2012 World Shakespeare Festival at Stratford.

Sixteen productions will be staged by seven theatre companies in what is being billed as "one unmissable year." If they maintain this standard it will certainly be a season to cherish.

The young Irish actor Jonjo O'Neill gives us a Richard to remember, a psychopath who operates at the border between comedy and cold-blooded murder.

The best insight into his madness comes in a scene superbly crafted by director Roxana Silbert. A play-fight between Richard and one of the boy princes turns nasty. Richard loses it. He grabs the child in a headlock, throttling him, and has to be pulled away. A terrifying moment.

There is a spellbinding performance by the veteran actress Paola Dionisotti as the old Queen Margaret whose tiny frame dominates the stage as she rages and curses those who slaughtered her loved ones.

Some great fight scenes, devised by Terry King, bring an exciting flurry of clashing blades to Bosworth Field.

It's not a perfect show. At 3hrs 15 mins, it is over-long and would benefit from some cuts. And staging this particular play in 21^st century clothes seems rather pointless. The grand Duchess of York (Sandra Duncan) surely deserves better than a twin-set and handbag.

Richard III runs until September 15.

By Peter Rhodes