THE TRAGEDY OF KING RICHARD II Comes to The Ridgefield Playhouse, Broadcast Live from the Almeida Theatre

Simon Russell Beale returns to National Theatre Live screens following broadcasts of Timon of Athens and King Lear, and his recent role in the National Theatre's critically acclaimed production of The Lehman Trilogy. Beale plays William Shakespeare's Richard II, broadcast live from the stage of the Almeida Theatre in London to The Ridgefield Playhouse screen on Tuesday, January 15 at 2pm and shown in an encore screening Thursday, January 17 at 7pm. This visceral new production about the limits of power is directed by Joe Hill-Gibbins, whose previous plays include Little Revolution at the Almeida and Absolute Hell at the National Theatre. These screenings are part of the Atria Senior Living Classical Series with support from Whistle Stop Bakery and are underwritten by Jeanne Cook, Liz & Steven Goldstone and Sabina &Walter Slavin.

Richard II, King of England, is irresponsible, foolish and vain. His weak leadership sends his kingdom into disarray and his court into uproar. Seeing no other option but to seize power, the ambitious Bolingbroke challenges the throne and the king's divine right to rule.

It is over five decades since the National Theatre Company, under Laurence Olivier, gave their first-ever performance. Since the opening night of Hamlet, starring Peter O'Toole, on 22 October 1963, the National Theatre has produced well over 800 plays. Through their NT Live program, The National Theatre seeks to make theatre accessible for everyone. The Ridgefield Playhouse offers free tickets to The National Theatre Live series to students 18 and younger as a way for parents to introduce their children to the arts. FREE tickets are also available to students 18 and younger for Live in HD screenings of The Metropolitan Opera and The Bolshoi Ballet.

For tickets ($25 | Members & Seniors $20 | Students $15 | FREE for students 18 and under with ID), call or visit the box office, 203-438-5795 or go online at ridgefieldplayhouse.org. The Ridgefield Playhouse is a non-profit performing arts center located at 80 East Ridge, parallel to Main Street, Ridgefield, CT.