'[Ewen Leslie's] Richard will be talked about for years ... Absolutely not to be missed.' - The Australian
'
1/2 ... passionate and compelling' - Herald Sun
‘ ... Leslie is a magnetic scene-stealer who flings his callipered leg brilliantly from sinister to sardonic and back again.' - Sunday Herald Sun
‘1/2 ... the sort of breadth and scope that usually only a film can hope to achieve.' - The Age
Some people will do anything to get to the top.
Navigating the corridors of power is easy if you know how to take a few short cuts. Richard III tells the story of an obsessed man with twisted ambitions, who manipulates, marries and murders his way to the top. Set as a contemporary political thriller, this gripping production dissects the corruption of power in testing times; when peace is abandoned and enemies mount in the minds of the paranoid.
Suave, calculating and brutal, meet one of Shakespeare’s greatest villains.
Photography: Earl Carter, Rehearsal Photography: Pam Kleemann
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'If it’s true that, perversely, we all love a good villain, then Richard III must be one of theatre’s most lovable characters. Shakespeare’s bravura study of Machiavellian manipulation was the original proof that a good thriller can be as entertaining as a comedy. Mordant and mischievous, brazen and brutal, one of the added bonuses of this dizzying descent into the stygian depths of human malevolence is that, as well as its hunchback hero, it has four great roles for women. So I’m thrilled to be able to invite Jennifer Hagen, Deidre Rubenstein, Alison Whyte and Meredith Penman to support the brilliant young Ewen Leslie in what will no doubt be a dazzling MTC debut.'
Simon Phillips, Artistic Director
The template for chicanery
Robin Usher speaks to Ewen Leslie about his role as Richard III. To read the full article, click here.
This Richard III is one of the greats
'
One of the truths of fiction is that a charismatic villain trumps a virtuous hero any day. Certainly, few villains have enjoyed their wickedness with such lip-smacking relish as Shakespeare's Richard III.' - Alison Croggon, The Australian. To read the full review click here.
Australian Stage Online: Richard III Review
'Oh excellent, good and gentle fellows, excellent! With the bard you do get excited about language. MTC’s Richard III is a good night of theatre all round' - Liza Dezfouli, Australian Stage Online. To read the full review click here.
Ian McKellen gives the thumbs up to MTC's Richard III
'Ian McKellen yesterday gave the thumbs-up to the Melbourne Theatre Company's new production of Richard III.' - Rosemary Sorensen, The Australian. To read the full article click here.
Audience Feedback
'I really enjoyed the unique twist of modern and pure Shakespeare' - David, Hughesdale
'Fast-paced and thrilling. Felt like I was watching the West Wing for the first time. Truly, truly superb.' - Dougal, St Kilda
'Loved it. Amazing sets and great energy. Richard's physicality was perfectly sustained and beautifully integrated.' - Kate, South Yarra
'a stellar production... Ewen Leslie is simply outstanding and is superbly supported by a vast and very talented ensemble. An epic play definitely worth catching!' - Tim, Fitzroy
'A powerhouse display of some of the finest acting you will see this year! Ewen Leslie is brilliant!' - Andrew, Oak Park
