King John(2015) Apr 2026

The use of candlelight and the intimate church setting created a spine-tingling environment that mirrored the play's ecclesiastical and political tensions.

The production was specifically designed for the church in Northampton and the candlelit Sam Wanamaker Playhouse at the Globe.

The cast was led by in the title role, portraying a king who begins with "impish glee" at his coronation but gradually becomes a marginalized, doomed figure. King John(2015)

The 2015 production of —a co-production between Shakespeare’s Globe and Royal & Derngate —brought one of William Shakespeare’s rarely performed history plays to life during the 800th anniversary year of the Magna Carta. Directed by James Dacre , this production was noted for its "muscular and clear" storytelling and its unique musical atmosphere. Staging and Aesthetic

A standout feature was the score by Orlando Gough , which drew on church music, folk airs, and plainchant. This music was so integral that some reviewers described the production as "King John: The Musical," as it suffused the drama and underlined character shifts. Key Performances The use of candlelight and the intimate church

Staged in 2015, the production coincided with the octocentenary of the .

Reviewers noted that the play felt particularly modern, exploring the actions of a capricious leader refusing to relinquish power and the heavy toll of "bad management and bad luck" on a nation. Production Credits Director: James Dacre Composer: Orlando Gough This music was so integral that some reviewers

The production highlighted the "anguished mother’s grief" through the character of Constance, while young Prince Arthur (played by Laurence Belcher ) was depicted as a slight, perfect victim of the cruel adult world. Thematic Context: The 2015 Significance