32. Richard II - Tobacco Factory

Despite my frequently stated assertion that it would be silly to pay to travel outside London for theatre when I never manage to see everything I want to in London (a rule I break frequently anyhow) – I couldn’t quite bring myself to miss this play. Firstly it was a Shakespeare I’ve never seen (very exciting) and a history to boot (since the RSC Histories cycle there’s been a bit of a dearth of productions, tragically, as I find the kin strife element to the history plays quite irresistible). Secondly, it was starring John Heffernan, who I’d never seen before but who several people I respect rave about. And, thirdly, it was close enough to my hometown that I could pop back to see my family at the same time (also tickets are wonderful Mother’s Day presents – just a suggestion). The thing that really swung my decision though was the beautiful photographs on the Tobacco Factory website – the production looked stunning – good photos work wonders on my interest in productions, occasionally to my detriment.