Do3 Richard III - 14 April

[french frank]

Tomorrow atm .... but soon TODAY .

Some strong casting (James, Jefford, Maloney &c.), but it's Richard who holds it all together

This is the repeat from 2004. I remember finding it rather disappointing but the old Beeb MBs don't go back that far to remind me why.

[amateur51]

Is this the Beeb's first post-car park Richard III?

[aeolium]

Some strong casting (James, Jefford, Maloney &c.), but it's Richard who holds it all together

I think the casting of Buckingham is just as important. Ralph Richardson was wonderful in the Olivier film of RIII. No wonder Olivier - sorry, Richard - had him executed

I don't remember the original broadcast either so may try and give this a listen, perhaps on LA. I wish they would repeat the old production of Richard II with John Hurt in the title role - from around 2000 I think.

[french frank]

Is this the Beeb's first post-car park Richard III?

I expect so. Might have been worth making a slot available a bit sooner. I don't know if contracts demand particular timings that would make it difficult to drop some plays at short notice, other than in very exceptional circs ... I don't know. [bump ]

Oh, the phone went when I was half way through - didn't see aeolium's reply.

[french frank]

I think the casting of Buckingham is just as important. Ralph Richardson was wonderful in the Olivier film of RIII. No wonder Olivier - sorry, Richard - had him executed

Yes! There was that wonderful scene where the shifty Buckingham is claiming his reward from Richard who snarls at him [with a reference to the "jack" of a clock]:

R: [...] like a Jack, thou keep'st the stroke
Betwixt thy begging and my meditation.
I am not in the giving vein to-day.
B: Why, then resolve me whether you will or no.
R: Tut, tut,
Thou troublest me; am not in the vein.

And off the resentful Buckingham goes to join the Earl of Richmond, fearing, if he stays, to lose his head ... I can still see that scene now