In this adaptation, Richard III is reimagined as a gritty family gang drama set in the late 1940s, bringing Shakespeare’s tale of ambition and betrayal into the seedy, dangerous world of post-war London’s gang culture.
The Shoreside Theatre Inc. has breathed new life into Richard III, offering Auckland audiences a vibrant, modernised rendition of Shakespeare's classic tale of ambition, manipulation, and downfall. This year’s production, directed by Cath Boniface, is set in the gritty underworld of 1940s gangland London, replacing traditional English courtly attire with pinstripe suits, fedoras, and trench coats. While the timeline and aesthetic have shifted, the essence of the play—the ruthless rise and ultimate fall of Richard, Duke of Gloucester—remains intact, offering an exciting and refreshing perspective on the timeless tragedy.
Set against the backdrop of a post-Wars of the Roses England, Shakespeare’s Richard III examines the devastating cost of power at any price. Boniface’s modern interpretation cleverly parallels the political machinations of Richard’s rise with modern-day struggles for power. In this gangland version, the towers, princes, and lords of medieval England remain intact but are reimagined as gangsters, crime bosses, and underlings. While this adaptation largely keeps to the original script, it still feels relevant, with Richard’s silver tongue and unbridled ambition mirroring contemporary global political struggles.
As Boniface noted, "If you’re looking at the plot of Richard III, it’s about a man who wants to be in power at all costs but shouldn’t be in power at all." This statement resonates powerfully as the audience watches Richard weave his web of deceit, turning friends and family into enemies in his relentless pursuit of the throne. The parallels with modern leadership struggles add layers of poignancy and depth, making the production feel fresh and compelling.
Queen Elizabeth (Meg Andrews) & Richard III (Chris Raven)
The quaint, open-air PumpHouse Theatre provides the perfect setting for this immersive production. With minimal props and clever use of the venue’s natural features, including its balconies and terraced seating, the production draws the audience into Richard’s sinister world. The actors frequently break the fourth wall, engaging directly with the audience to plead their cases, seek approval, or reveal their darkest desires. These moments of connection are not only a staple of Richard III but also some of the most captivating parts of this performance, as they bring Shakespeare’s characters to life in a relatable and human way.
While the outdoor venue adds charm, it also presents challenges. The actors, unamplified by microphones, must project their voices to compete with the ambient sounds of the surrounding area—including the occasional squawking of geese. This demand adds an extra layer of skill to the performances, and the cast rises admirably to the occasion, ensuring every word is heard.
The 1940s gangland aesthetic is a bold choice that works well to modernise the play, even if it doesn't fully reimagine Shakespeare’s setting. The costumes, featuring sharp suits and period-appropriate attire, effectively situate the story in the seedy underbelly of wartime London. However, outside of the visual elements, the adaptation doesn’t push as far as it could into the gangster milieu. The structure of kings, princes, and lords is left largely unchanged, which feels like a missed opportunity to fully embrace the new timeline.
That said, there are some delightful modern touches. For example, news of events is spread via a paperboy, whose cries add authenticity to the 1940s setting. Projected visuals and slow-motion fight sequences further enhance the production, lending a cinematic quality to key moments. Supernatural elements, such as the haunting of Richard by his victims, are also cleverly portrayed using projections, adding an eerie, otherworldly feel to these scenes.
The cast delivers strong performances across the board, with the lead actor’s portrayal of Richard standing out as a highlight. While this Richard is not as physically deformed as the traditional depiction, his charm, wit, and ruthless ambition are more than enough to establish his villainy. His interactions with the audience are especially effective, drawing viewers into his schemes and making them complicit in his rise to power. This subtle manipulation mirrors Richard’s treatment of those around him, adding an extra layer of depth to the character.
Richard III (Chris Raven)
With a runtime of 2.5 hours, plus a half-hour intermission, Richard III is undeniably a long play. However, the production team does an excellent job of maintaining a swift pace. Scenes flow seamlessly, with actors exiting stage left as the next scene begins stage right. The use of multiple entry points around the venue adds to the fluidity, creating a dynamic and engaging experience.
The intermission is timed strategically, and held off as long as possible to reduce the remaining runtime after the break. While this decision helps to keep the post-intermission content brief, it does create a slight sense of rush in the final acts. Nevertheless, the overall pacing remains commendable, ensuring that the audience stays engaged throughout the evening.
Despite the long runtime, the production is full of energy and delivers plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. The cast’s passion and enthusiasm are evident in every scene, making this Richard III a fun and memorable evening out. Audience members are encouraged to come prepared for the outdoor venue—bring a cushion for the terraced seating and a jacket for the cooler evening temperatures. And should the weather take a turn, the PumpHouse Theatre has an indoor space ready to ensure the show goes on.
For those new to Shakespeare or looking for an accessible entry point, this modernised Richard III is an excellent choice. By setting the play in a recognisable and visually interesting timeline, the production succeeds in attracting younger audiences and newcomers to Shakespeare, without losing the depth and complexity that fans of the Bard expect.
The Shoreside Theatre Inc.’s Richard III is a refreshing and engaging take on Shakespeare’s classic. While the 1940s gangland setting offers an intriguing twist, the production remains faithful to the essence of the play, delivering a powerful exploration of ambition, power, and the human cost of corruption.
The performances are passionate, the pacing brisk, and the audience interaction memorable, making this an experience worth attending. Whether you’re a seasoned Shakespeare fan or a curious first-timer, this Richard III offers a thrilling night of drama, humour, and intrigue under the stars.
Performances of Richard III run from January 21 to February 15
Tickets can be purchased here