Not easy to follow on from the three part 'Henry VI', two parts of which in my view solid but not great and the third part being very good. And it is hard not to expect a lot, when Richard III is one of Shakespeare's most fascinating characters, and not just as a "villain", and he was also interesting as a historical figure. 'Richard III' may not be among my favourite Shakespeare plays, but it is so easy to seee why it is performed as much as it is and why it is so widely discussed.
'Richard III' is one of the longest in length of the uneven but very interesting (and on the whole a must watch) BBC Television Shakespeare series, excepting the ones that by tradition were in one than one part. So 'Henry IV' and 'Henry VI'. To me, and quite a few others it seems, it is one of the series' best and one of the best and also more faithful and complete versions of 'Richard III'. Worthy of more attention and should be pretty much the version to be shown in schools, if studying the play.
Sure it is not the most visually sumptuous of productions, the productions in the BBC Television Shakespeare were made on a low budget and that was evident in some productions, but most overcame that and still didn't manage to look too bad in the process. 'Richard III' is one of the better examples of that. It still manages to look well designed and atmospheric as well being in good tastes, no questionable touches here. The camera work is very good with enough intimacy, with no gimmicks, chaos or restriction. Didn't feel to me like it was too much of a filmed play.
To me, the staging was compelling and didn't get overly-busy or dull, neither did it feel emotionally cold. There was plenty of movement and there is a lot going on in the quite complex plot, without feeling rushed or over-complicated. The climactic battle of Bosworth field scene was especially well done, the touch at the very end was interesting to say the least and not one to forget in a hurry.
Cannot fault the cast. Ron Cook is as excellent as he was before in the 'Henry VI' three parter, but now with Richard even more interesting and with a much bigger role (from a sizeable supporting role to one of Shakespeare's most fascinating and most talked about lead characters) he is even better. Really liked his understated subtlety, which did stop him from doing into stock villain territory (Richard isn't that really), but he is also suitably malevolent. He does well with the challenges of the physical side of the role, speaking as a scoliosis sufferer myself before my pretty traumatic major spinal surgery. Have spoken a lot about him, slightly unintentional but somewhat appropriate considering the role.
But one mustn't overlook the rest of the cast, and it is the acting that other than Shakespeare's timeless writing that is one of the production's biggest strengths. Standouts being Rowena Cooper's dignified Elizabeth and especially Julia Foster's ruthless Margaret (more interesting and much more juicily written role than in the 'Henry VI' three parter, and by now Foster, who didn't do it for me at first in 'Henry VI' has really grown into the role and made it her own. Brian Protheroe doesn't overdo the bluster thankfully and Paul Jesson is an interesting Clarence. Interesting to see Zoe Wanamaker and Annette Crosbie. Those doing more than one character, intriguing and brave choice, do a great job making each character different from each other which helps not confuse the drama.
In conclusion, wonderful production and the 'Richard III' to learn from if studying it. 10/10
