In less than two weeks, an extraordinary and unforgettable offering is set to take place. Sport For Jove and Seymour Centre will present the biggest undertaking in Sport For Jove’s history with Damien Ryan’s brand-new adaptation of Shakespeare’s great history cycle, The Player Kings Parts 1 & 2.
Playing over two compelling, contemporary chapters, the story glances backward to the journey from Richard II to Richard III, shining a horribly familiar light on how political systems collapse and societies devour their own potential.
In this modern polarised world where truth and falsehood are barely distinguishable, media is smothered by propaganda and partisanship. Leadership is eccentric to the point of madness, and kleptocracy is proving a very adequate solution to the problem of who runs the show. It’s clear we are currently living in a Shakespearean tragedy. The Player Kings asks, are we perhaps enjoying the show a little too much to want it to end?
This epic two-part production features a world-class cast of some of the finest actors of Shakespeare in the country. The cast includes: John Gaden, Peter Carroll, Katrina Retallick, Leilani Loau, Seán O’Shea, Marty Alix, Steve Rodgers, Emma Palmer, Christopher Stollery, Andrew Cutcliffe, Gareth Davies, Lulu Howes, Ruby Henaway and Liam Gamble.
“Let us sit upon the ground and tell sad stories of the death of kings.”
The Player Kings will reimagine a Globe-like arena on the York stage at Seymour Centre and can be enjoyed on back-to-back nights or, for the ultimate experience, in a Saturday marathon with a dinner break. There will be a food truck, Iron Ramen, in the Seymour courtyard serving a menu of mouthwatering Japanese street food for the 29 March, 3 April, 4 April, and 5 April show dates.
Sport For Jove’s season includes eight performances only, with full details below:
Show Details:
Part 1 (Richard II, Henry IV Part 1 & Part 2, Henry V)
Part 2 (Henry VI Part 1, Part 2 & Part 3, Richard III)
Times and Dates:
Wednesday 26 March 6:30pm Part 1 Preview
Thursday 27 March 6:30pm Part 2 Preview
Saturday 29 March 11:30am Part 1, 6:30pm Part 2 Gala Day
Thursday 3 April 6:30pm Part 1
Friday 4 April 6:30pm Part 2
Saturday 5 April 11:30am Part 1, 6:30pm Part 2 Gala Day
Each part runs for 255 minutes (approx. 4.5 hours), including two 15 minute intervals. Partial lockouts apply.
Sport For Jove’s The Player Kings Part 1 & Part 2 is running from 26 March to 5 April at York Theatre, Seymour Centre, corner City Road and Cleveland Street Chippendale 2008.
Tickets are available here.
Website: https://www.seymourcentre.com/event/the-player-kings/
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/sportforjove/
Photo credits: Brett Boardman
