Richard II stage footage | Act IV, scene 1 - the deposition scene | 2013

'Here cousin, seize the crown ...'
The deposition scene, Act IV, Scene 1 of Shakespeare's history play, Richard II.
David Tennant plays Richard II as he hands his crown to Bollingbroke, played by Nigel Lindsay.
This production played at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon and the Barbican in London in the 2013 winter season.

[@danj8892]

he manages to bring just the right amount of bastard to every role he does, i love it

[@FreyaEinde]

This is the loveliest compliment honestly. And so true.

[@goodlookinouthomie1757]

Even the Doctor.

[@kaishaman7144]

Just enough of a bastard to be worth knowing

[@heandfi]

I love the "here, cousin" like he is calling a naughty dog. It's wonderfully mocking. The reluctance letting go of the crown is superbly contemporary and human.

[@angelheadedhipster2214]

But the audience reaction was terrible. Why the laughter. ? It's not funny. Hollow crown version is the true masterpiece of this. I get films different, but this seemed rushed. If you know the history you know.

[@josephearls4111]

I read the coolest comment" "Richard understands everything that is happening to him -- except that it is actually happening."

[@harrysecombegroupie]

That's one of the best character descriptions ever!

[@rajaharrag667]

@@harrysecombegroupie Can you please explain ? I don't understand

[@harrysecombegroupie]

@@rajaharrag667 It means that while Richard is intelligent, he lives in his own fantasy world, unable or unwilling to see that his actions have serious consequences for himself and others. Perhaps because he's never had to deal with the real world, or just doesn't want to. He's like an immature, dramatic teenager who acts like they're the star of their own tv soap opera.

[@rajaharrag667]

@@harrysecombegroupie Thank you so much for your reply ! I understand it better now

[@Lothriel]

I believe Tennant nailed the element of Richard that wallows in self-indulgent word-play and drama. By finding the humour in Richard's pathetic need for ceremonial and cathartic language and behaviour, he tricked the audience into sympathizing with him perhaps more than we'd initially intended. The moments where his cold aloofness suddenly failed him (ie. later on in this scene, and during the III.ii speech, for example), and we saw his raw humanity exposed in all its hurt, anger, and fear, were thus able to hit home like a straight-right to the gut. Frankly, I can't wait for the DVD!

[@mzytryck]

Well said. I like this version a lot more than Ben Whishaw's Hollow Crown one, because Whishaw played him as such a wimp that it was embarrassing (both for the other characters and the audience) to watch his self-indulgent whining, whereas Tennant provokes exasperation because, annoying as he may be, he has enough presence and charisma that you want to watch him anyway. Don't get me wrong, I think Whishaw's interpretation was a perfectly good one for the character, and he portrayed Richard's total unworthiness for authority perfectly, but I prefer a Richard who has the force of personality to command attention despite your dislike for him, rather than a simpering nonentity you'd rather ignore.

[@junamy]

Tennant is a perfect actor.

[@AnnRose142]

Don't blame me for that, but I totally agree.... :-D

[@misskitty285]

***** There's no such thing as a perfect actor. But he was the best fit for the part in this particular production. I'll have to see if I can catch the King and Country Cycle in London - I have enough time, but not quite so much money - I'd love to see how different it'll be from last time. That apart I love him, and I will defend him against everyone who says a bad word about him.

[@tigeechan2040]

I came to see David Tennant’s acting and was suddenly immersed and emotionally invested in the tortured character of Richard II. Amazing.

[@zsuwolf]

My God, the hair.

[@michelle-lz2ug]

trollerita ikr it looks so odd I’m not much of ghe “long hair” but his regular short hair is better, but eh still good play 😂 🔥

[@jacksonconnell]

Got a thing for guys with gorgeous long hair. He pulls it off too well ❤

[@Strangestormcloud]

RIGHTTT

[@PatriseHenkel]

Yesssss

[@blue_dragon_amaryllis]

I know, right ?!?!!

[@cilanrapeface8535]

Oh my his hair is BEAUTIFUL

[@vanessaburrows2543]

David always does shakespear so well i always enjoy watching him take on different roles

[@janedennis1122]

A fabulous production, brilliantly cast. For me, Tennant's camp and deluded protrayal was witty, beautiful, tender and tragic. Mesmerising.

[@davidg.8031]

I could just see Richard telling Bolingbrook "I don't want to go"

[@lyndabotez2422]

LOL! I had a similar thought! Tennant is amazing...

[@misskitty285]

David G. I guess that's the gist of the scene, he knows he has to go, but he really doesn't want to (and given what happens after I'd say he wasn't entirely wrong either).

[@merlinohseven6656]

Having just seen this last night it has reinforced my opinion that some actors act, some become possessed by the role they play. David Tennant is one of the latter. Amazing adaptation!

[@pipkinsweetgrass]

The talent of a generation. I know many people who have seen the play and they all raved about it. I can hardly wait for the DVD!

[@lorella40]

OMG, this is brilliant acting! David Tennant is hypnotic!

[@lyndabotez2422]

David Tennant's interpretation is totally different than Ben Whishaw's. I don't see why one has to be better, or worse than the other. Each has their own style. I was not able to get to London in time to see Tennant live, but am really looking forward to the DVD/Blu-Ray being released in a couple of weeks so I can see the rest of it. This clip is brilliant!

[@adolforodolfo6929]

Statement of the obvious, I know, but Ben's performance is for Television and David's for the live stage - two completely different ways of acting and comparisons really aren't valid.

[@Nogapu]

It was one of the most wonderfull things I have ever seen. I still can't believe I was lucky enough to see him live

[@IzzyTheInsane97]

David Tennant is just phenomenal.

[@elizabethmack7780]

Is there nothing this man cannot do? *swoon* I love David Tennant. He is a phenomenal actor.

[@MrTitusaduxass]

I was lucky enough to see this at Stratford in October. ~Richard II is my favorite Shakespeare play. I think David Tennant nailed it.

[@simsy_diamond]

David Tennant = a amazing, phenomenal actor! He is just great!

[@lucegoose789321]

oof his arm must be aching

[@michelle-lz2ug]

Susan Hill my arm would fall off! Hehehe 😂

[@Vidyut_Gore]

Whether bastard or hero, if David Tennant doesn't want to go, he manages to get the audience want to hold on too.

[@Dani-ph7vm]

You say bastard or hero but every roll I've ever seen him in is very much both

[@bellascott334]

My whole Year watched this because we were learning about Shakespeare and Richard ll. Don't judge me, but I love David Tennant so much, and his acting skill are top standards.

[@goggle425]

I love him too! I saw him first in doctor who, but I feel as though he doesn't get recognized for the rest of his marvelous work.. I completely agree with you!

[@bellascott334]

Thank you! I think people judge him too, I don't understand why though? They should see he's got a real talent :)

[@goggle425]

Bella Scott Yeah they should. :3

[@josephearls4111]

Twelf

[@NikiPendragon]

Well David is good in everything he does but seeing him as Richard II he completely blew me away.

[@amritasengupta01]

My god you Brits. Instead of arguing whether or not he was in the character or who acted better or trying to find the reason why the bloody audience laughed, why can't you be grateful that you get to see all these great actors performing live at a theater instead of being forced to watch a bloody video clip of the same ? I am a theater enthusiast myself and would have loved to see this (hamlet too). You be grateful you can ! Geeesh

[@heliotropezzz333]

Amrita Sengupta I don't know which country you are in but the RSC and The National Theatre company have started screening their most popular productions in cinemas around the world, so if you are lucky you might be able to catch a video of live performance at a cinema near you. PBS in the U.S. often also show such productions.

[@amritasengupta01]

That is the thing. I am not from any of these countries. I am sorry for the rant. But it saddened me a bit to see how people are lucky and dont see it. I am not. 

[@sallyatticum]

Amrita Sengupta It is available on DVD.

[@amritasengupta01]

Yes i found it :) thanks :D

[@heliotropezzz333]

ron Chad. And you reek of charmlessness.

[@10KLilSebastians]

His hair is as elegant as his eyebrows

[@kammieps]

LOVED IT!!! Went to go and see it when they were recording. I'm on the front row, with the pigtails.

[@anndeakin1508]

A true artist in the deposition scene.

[@sweiland75]

I'll never have the privilege of seeing a play live at the RSC. Thank you.

[@anncarters]

Ever since I watched it at the Barbican on Friday (oh, it feels like ages back!), I couldn't stop thinking about it. Literally watching bits of the DVD on repeat (even though I'm missing Jasper as Bollingbroke). Amazing work by David, as always. King and Country has been a blast.

[@IvanIsYda_]

That hair is so fab, his acting is so usbsbdjsnhdjsajshx❤️❤️❤️❤️🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@mzytryck]

Tennant was perfectly cast for this, where the boyish charm he brought to the Doctor makes the petulant, narcissistic Richard seem like that annoying kid in class. The one you and the teachers WANTED to hate for being a selfish, short-sighted, attention-seeking brat who spoiled things for everyone else, but you couldn't help but find amusing because they were just so energetic about everything and so quick with a comeback.

[@stlouisphile]

Saw this in St. Louis at the movie theatre. OMG it was extremely good. The acting of course with DT was top-notch as was all the other actors. The set design was amazing as well as the music and singing.

[@josepheveson6187]

I never understand why people laugh in RII? He makes sarcastic comments but they are full of sadness and despair. He isn't joking he's being scornful. The worst section is the 'aye.no.' section - he physically cannot bring himself to give up the crown even though he knows he has to. People who don't understand the scene always titter during it and it's so annoying!

[@Larry2707]

One of the best scenes in Richard II :)

[@pipkinsweetgrass]

I can't stop watching this and can't wait or the DVD

[@thelostgirl101]

I love david tennant, so talented!

[@themaypole]

caught the encore of this on the 30th of nov, fantastic, absolutely amazing

[@99kylies15]

Searched this out because I just saw Ben Whishaw's Richard II for the second time and wanted a different example of how the scene could be played. While I think I prefer Whishaw's, this was so interesting to watch! Especially seeing it in theater form vs movie.

[@Dani-ph7vm]

Long hair David Tennant, beloved

[@lydiarachel7993]

sooo want to see this! The actors are great and the set looks amazing!

[@jmharrison51]

Sorry, Jeremy T, I don't see any frivolity here. Of course Richard II is not a comedy, but that doesn't mean it doesn't contain comic characters and comic moments. York is arguably a comic character; the Duchess of York certainly is. This is a very tense scene, so a little release at the start on the audience's part is understandable; the tension is already building before the end of this clip and no doubt continues to build as the scene continues. I'm going to see it in three weeks at the Barbican, so then I'll be able to judge properly. Looking forward to it.

[@svetiktrofimyk3014]

Огромное спасибо за видеоверсию спектакля,за возможность прикоснутся к щедевру.Девид неподражаем.Жаль ,что нельзя увидеть Ромео и Джульета в его исполнении.Заставляет вернуться к творчеству Шекспира и по другому взглянуть на него.

[@HawkinaBox]

DAMN HE LOOKS GOOD WITH LONG HAIR!

[@aster_11]

I adore David's interpretation of this character

[@anndeakin1508]

Richard 2 great rendition of this act of the play I enjoyed this version of this play Thanks.Ann Deakin Warwick.

[@sallyatticum]

This isn't a whole lot different than the way Derek Jacobi played the scene--the abdication is dispassionate and formal. People who haven't seen the whole play aren't getting much of a picture of the intense emotion that comes before and after. They certainly shouldn't judge the performance as a whole from this five minute segment of a three hour play.

[@lovejesuschristlovejesus3398]

His hair is beautiful. Love men with long hair

[@lilymilnes1]

I'm so excited for the DVD

[@clarissagafoor5222]

i missed this every time it was shown here in Hong Kong - always full house. hopefully the British council will bring it back again............please

[@Alice2177]

Such an amazing production. This clip was very quiet though.

[@marijkevanbuuren5757]

I wished that I could come to London.. I loved Shakespeare since high school..I had to ask special permission to put 5 plays on my English literature list .( I am Dutch and my teacher thought it was too hard for a Dutch girl of 16 to be able to read and understand Shakespeare ) David Seems to be.a Great Richard II. Can not wait to buy the DVD, if one exists. :(

[@arabellaswan2662]

Richard ya dramatic bastard. David I love you

[@like_miaow]

idk why but the "well then, amen" cracked me up

[@user-ck8ub5uk6b]

Excellent

[@brandonburrell8517]

Wonderful!

[@xFirebird925x]

I don't really see why there's people in the audience laughing at this scene. If anything it's supposed to be dead silence.

[@shaftofwitcomedy]

They are laughing at the way Tennant calls Henry to take the crown, he does it playfully, almost patronising his cousin. It is a well timed bit of comic relief to break the tension and a clever interpretation by the actor. I don't think it demands 'dead silence' If something is funny, the audience should laugh. A well directed play will offer many such devices. The target audience for this production is broad and includes a great many young students. It is a very good production.

[@heliotropezzz333]

Laughter is often a cathartic release of tension

[@skyletta0626]

HEH NICE DRESS DOCTAH BUT U CANT HIDE FROM US

[@arclandia]

Just saw this at FilmBar tonight. Brilliant performance!

[@Mezzy..]

He's so beautiful to me

[@hannajohanna1722]

Dat glorious hair~

[@_Spy_]

I really want to see the full play. Does anyone know where I can find it?

[@beautifultomorrow111]

The best (and funniest:)) part starts after this scene:)

[@josephbateman7742]

Old care done and new care won. Its fascinating because there are two very different states of rule here. Richard had lineage and status quo, a king keeping what he had always had. Henry is the new man in the arena, he will never be able to rule as a king born to rule can, forever shadowed by the usurpation. Richard was the latest in a long royal line and his kingship was a natural and ordered divine gift, Henry's kingship was unnatural, born of kindred blood spilled, and doubtful in the eyes of heaven.

[@Aceofspades2006]

I’m really confused what is happening but damn how did he just know all the words?! ….also looks hot😎

[@darthnihilus1242]

so this is were he 'unleashed the beast'

[@josiahzabel8596]

didn't expect overlap between Shakespeare and KOTOR II but I suppose a good story is a good story no matter who wrote it

[@ironvlogger9712]

That lovley hair 💗

[@Johnlocked.on_bakerst]

Most comments are abt the hair and acting I’m just here to say HOW THE HELL DID HE RECITE 3:29 SO FAST

[@Marzsaple]

I don't know what he's saying but i love it

[@persephaniek.7243]

great

[@constantinexipalaiologos7602]

God Save The King!

[@gianghuynh9570]

People probably laugh because of David Tennant's interpretation of Richard II. After all many would look at him and see the Doctor instead of Richard.

[@samhungerford9343]

Giang Huynh I totally agree with you. I mean, that's the consequence of playing such a culturally popular character. You can't really play any other part without The Doctor lurking behind it. They're also probably laughing because they're trying to interpret the language. The repetition and "physical comedy" allows them to understand what's going on.

[@sallyatticum]

They absolutely played it for laughs. It was even funnier in the revival two years later. Richard was mocking Bolingbroke. He was very sarcastic and showing how foolish he was.

[@heliotropezzz333]

I saw this at the theatre. They were not laughing because they were remembering that he played Dr Who. Theatre fans know he's played lots of theatre roles. Laughter is close to sadness and tears. People laughed at any bit of humour to be found because it relieved the tension. There is tragic humour in it because Richard II speeches are tragic but at the same time Richard II is such a drama Queen, drawing as much drama and pathos out of the situation as he can. This is in stark contrast to Bolingbroke (Henry IV to be) who is a bluff unimaginative tough practical military man. Richard is losing in this scene but still seems to dance rings around Bolingbroke in his loss. Bolingbroke doesn't quite know how to react at times.

[@cyrusmallison6157]

Does the DVD 📀 include the Hotspur scenes?

[@wickedawesomezo]

Is that Polonius from Hamlet?

[@Lentilie]

the one and only Oliver Ford Davies

[@margaretlavender4418]

Sound? Barely there! Do something PLEASE!

[@anese7986]

is it... angle crowley? 🌚✨

[@strangementalitypaperYT]

Fun fact: this was originally cut out of the play by the master of the revels. Censorship is real.

[@wikipediaintellectual7088]

Who did the sound on this video? A dog would strain to hear what these people are saying.

[@sakurasakka4049]

Where can I watch this fulllll ???

[@theRSC]

It's available from the RSC Shop on DVD shop.rsc.org.uk/products/richard-ii-rsc-dvd-2014?_pos=1&_sid=18d1415a4&_ss=r

[@d乂d]

Please, I've been looking for information for a while and I can't find anything. Can someone tell me the full name of this? Is it a movie or series? Where can i see it? Please help.

[@nix.i]

It was a live performance in Stratford in 2013. Pretty sure you can watch it on Amazon Prime or something similar

[@theRSC]

You can buy it on DVD shop.rsc.org.uk/products/richard-ii-rsc-blu-ray-2014 and it's available with lots of others shows on BroadwayHD, Marquee TV, Digital Theatre and BritBox.

[@NikitaSamourai]

Material gurl

[@MegaJw99]

Now the full times from the Tudor Premier League Henry 2 Richard 1 Cares 1, Cares none

[@vanessaburrows2543]

Actually Richard the ll wasnt a villian thats the hollywood version and not the history one.

[@michaellayard5045]

It's shakespeare. He was interested in good theatre (and the biases/sensibilities/politics of his day) he didnt care about accuracy. If you want proper history read a book

[@chirumiya]

so is the first act or where could i watch this from the beginning?

[@heliotropezzz333]

+myra chirumiya You'd probably need to buy or rent the DVD.

[@heliotropezzz333]

+myra chirumiya P.S. This is not the first act. It's towards the end of the play.

[@jcforrester2]

More Cowbell is needed.

[@walterteoh9970]

Is that David T or Caitlyn J?

[@rebekahchapin4313]

turn the volume up i cant hear

[@johnsmith-gk3ek]

I wonder if Oliver Ford Davies got that part because of Johnny English.

[@heliotropezzz333]

I doubt it. He plays lots of theatre roles. Why do people assume TV and movies always dictate actors' careers?

[@gianghuynh9570]

Play language is so strange, I can't understand the play by just reading the script or watching the play.

[@johngotwalt3143]

watching the dvd with subtitles on allows the meaning to bloom

[@heliotropezzz333]

Not strange. Elizabethan English.

[@roxyqueen2]

I prefer Ben Wishaw's interpretation of this role. Tennant was better as Hamlet.

[@adarcus4053]

roxyqueen2 yes he was a great hamlet.

[@jimsmith2902]

I think I preferred Ben Wishaw's interpretation too, but maybe it's not a fair comparison, since TV and stage acting involve significantly different techniques? I did see this production at the Barbican and there were many things about it I enjoyed; but there was one thing that to a certain extent spoiled it for me; that was the portrayal of Bolingbroke as little more than a thug, a bruiser. That's not Shakespeare's Bolingbroke at all; yes, he is politically ruthless, but he is far from unfeeling and there is, or should be, a whole subtext of affection, soured maybe but affection all the same, between Bolingbroke and Richard which this production did not explore at all. If you want to see Bolingbroke done properly, then look at Rory Kinnear's superb interpretation opposite Ben Wishaw in 'The Hollow Crown'.

[@daffy8995]

@@jimsmith2902 You know "properly" is a matter of opinion, right?

[@jimsmith2902]

Fair enough, "properly" was a bad choice of word. Of course directors and actors make choices; sometimes they work, sometimes they don't. This one just didn't work for me.

[@daffy8995]

@@jimsmith2902 Personally, I preferred Jasper Britton's interpretation, which is the one I saw. I also liked it because he carried on as Henry.

[@bellringer929]

Did i actually hear some of the audience laugh? That is interesting

[@michelle-lz2ug]

Brooo Hamlet was better! I like this too, well, I like anything David does! But Hamlet!!! Omg i die for the Hamlet he did amazing!!!! 🔥

[@proYen_]

omg

[@Dr.Loony0-0]

I saw this and went “idk what this is”….. And then I saw David Tennant

[@potatoegirl31]

I thought Richie the II had curly red hair no longer than chin length? 😂

[@kaishaman7144]

What kind of sexual orientation is it when you're normally only attracted to women but then you see David Tennant like this and think: "I would probably make an exception for this guy"?

[@1539s-wordplay]

eviction notice.

[@1539s-wordplay]

I lack, why am I sent four to a king Be four I have rook of the royal thoughts Where with I re gen? I heartly yet half learned To in sinew hate, flutter, bow, and bend my knee

[@1539s-wordplay]

Le Her Card Game OG Ref Gang gang gang 🎭

[@cheryl457]

the doctor needs a hair cut....:-)

[@JrmEVIII]

LOL! xD

[@michelle-lz2ug]

I agree!

[@arcus_isweird2923]

david tennant is so hot with long hair

[@angelheadedhipster2214]

The audience reaction to, "here cousin" is terrible & baffling. Why the laughter. ? It's not funny. Hollow crowns version is a true masterpiece of this particular scene. I get film is different, but this (theatre) seemed rushed. If you know the history you know.

[@alicedeligny9240]

The way he says it may be a bit funny.

[@angelheadedhipster2214]

@@alicedeligny9240 Yeah, you are right. I re watched it recently and I guess it can be. I've got to remember not to type in the moment. Lol. The other version I mentioned just seemed more dramatic. But I get it. Cheers. UK. 18/2/2022