‘And gentlemen in England now abed shall think themselves accursed they were not here’

I wake on Sunday to another dull morning. After the intensity of the last couple of days, and practically eating on the run, I actually have time…and discover that there really isn’t a lot to do in Stratford on a wet Sunday morning in March!

There’s no show till 3pm, but first we have brunch and a talk from Michael Boyd. I’m fascinated to hear what he has to say about it all. I wish there’d been more of this, as I could have listened to him talk for hours, or that it had come at the beginning, as it throws a different light on the productions.

He talks about bringing back the ensemble to the RSC, and I realise that this is what I’ve missed. It’s the ethos on which the company was created, and for the last few years it hasn’t felt the same without it. But Boyd trained in Russia, and strongly believes in the ensemble. In fact, he has plans for the next one, starting in January 2009. I’m excited already.

After this, there’s a palpable buzz as Richard III starts, at the same point where we left it, only now the bundle Richard holds is a napkin, as the prince is about 10 years old. We also have modern dress, suits and guns – more modern elements have been gradually introduced, with battledress reminiscent of WWI in the Henry VI’s, but this brings us up to date, although some characters, Margaret, and Elizabeth, retain their original costumes.

It’s fabulous. Richard is repulsive, volatile, intelligent, vicious, even charming. It’s a marvellous part, and Jonathan Slinger seizes it with both hands. He’s been a real star of the cycle, playing so many different parts, but always convincing. It feels intensely emotional all the way through, for us as well as for the actors.

There are so many highlights in this one:
James Tucker’s Clarence trying to defend himself against the murderers; the court of Edward IV circling round each other round each other, spitting hatred, until Margaret enters, travel stained, and carrying the bones of her dead son, which she proceeds to lay out before the court; Chris McGill, as Grey, saying to Margaret of York’s death, ‘Northumberland, then present, wept to see it’ which he did, as the same actor was playing Northumberland; the death of the princes – when Richard asks ‘didst thou see them dead?’ Tyrrel takes out a digital camera, and shows him the picture.

Geoffrey Streatfeild catches the eye again in the small part of Rivers, reaching out to his dead brother before he too is shot.

Julius D’Silva is impressive as Catesby, Richard’s stage manager, particularly in the gulling of the Lord Mayor and citizens of London – we happily join in with ‘God save Richard’.

Richard waking from his ‘dream’ without his deformities, and the ghosts forcing them all back on him.

The ending feels too quick, in that Richard doesn’t get to fight, but is quickly despatched by Richmond (Lex Shrapnel again, but not even his performance will ever make me like Henry Tudor).

As it finishes, the whole audience are on their feet, people are throwing roses onto the stage, and the whole ensemble, plus crew, plus Michael Boyd are on stage. Some of the actors have brought cameras with them, and are taking shots of the audience. This is as big a deal for them as it is for us. There are tears, as I feel I’ve been privileged to be present at something very special.

Afterwards, there’s a reception for the company, and all those who had bought the ‘Glorious Moment’ pass. A chance to mingle, and chat to the actors about the experience. Some people are getting programmes and posters signed, but for me, it isn’t about that. It’s about thanking people, but also getting their thoughts on what it has been like. Many of them also seem a little choked up, and also sad to be leaving Stratford. It isn’t the end, for they still have a two month run at the Roundhouse, but I guess it feels like the beginning of the end, as they’ve spent over two years in Stratford.