Director: Richard Cheshire
While it may be one of the hottest weeks on record outside, the 2026 Stafford Shakespeare production couldn’t feel further removed from it, with its chillingly gritty new production of Richard III.
Director Richard Cheshire has drawn inspiration from the gang warfare of the 1920s. Think Peaky Blinders meets Shakespeare. Gone is the concept of Richard III plotting to claim the monarchy; instead, the story is reframed around Richard’s desire to head up a criminal empire.
It’s a courageous and daring decision and could so easily have become a gimmick. Instead, it unleashes a brilliantly fresh take on what is usually regarded as Shakespeare’s greatest villain, while also making the production as accessible to a Shakespeare novice as it is to an expert.
The set by Patrick Connelan is the largest the Gatehouse has seen since Freedom Leisure moved the production from the grounds of Stafford Castle. A bombed-out pub anchors and frames the production, while a metal shutter door gets drawn in to create more claustrophobic front of stage spaces. It all feels incredibly real. In a few cases, the scene transitions are lengthy, but Lucy Elliot’s composed music, along with Bobby Standley’s sound design, maintains the atmosphere throughout to keep you hooked in anticipation.
Taking the leading role is Matthew Duckett delivering a commanding and mesmerising performance. The concept of the production challenges your perception of Richard, and it’s Duckett’s charming and charismatic performance in his opening moments that is key to achieving that. His swagger and charm woo and tempt you into buying into his motives for the heinous acts he commits.
It creates a fascinating exploration of how those who strive for power often use persuasion and personality to manipulate others for their own personal gain. It also delves into how the lust for power can itself become a corrupting force. We see how Richard evolves with each step of his plan, becoming increasingly thirsty for more as his soul is slowly destroyed and he edges from the likeable character we meet at the start into the desperate, angry desperate brute he becomes. Despite that, the commanding performance by Duckett means it all concludes in a way that leaves you sitting back, feeling empathy for Richard, seeing how he destroyed himself and his relationship with others, blinded by his cravings for power.
Each member of the cast works tirelessly to create this dark, epic drama, which is visually striking and almost filmic in nature. While Richard III is known as one of Shakespeare’s longest plays, you’d be forgiven for forgetting that here, as the action never stops. It continually escalates towards a thrilling, epic finale that will have you hooked. Don’t think Shakespeare’s for you? This production may well have you thinking otherwise.
| Value for Money Comments: |
| A top quality production with all seats priced at £35 (£32 concessions available). One matinee is available for £20 |
🎁This production was gifted in exchange for a fair and balanced review 🎁
The Theatre Twittic 
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