Review: Richard III at Stafford Gatehouse Theatre*

[Ad-gifted] I love the summer at Gatehouse Theatre in Stafford, when we get to see their latest Shakespearean plays. It has been a tradition now for over 35 years and I can’t see it stopping any time soon. This summer makes room for Richard III, which will be performed by Matthew Duckett, one of the stars of the acclaimed Netflix film Lady Chatterly’s Lover, back in 2022.

He played the role of Sir Clifford Chatterly, Lady Chatterly’s husband. He was a memorable character in the film and it was strange to see him last night on stage just a stones-throw away.

What I thought of Richard III?

Last night, we were transported to the gang-lands of the 1930’s when the fight over who would be the ruler of England – as King – had begun. The stage took on a Peaky Blinders feel, along with the way in which these Shakespearean characters were portrayed, and the costumes they wore. It provided the audience with an alternative adaptation to Richard III, quite daring but extremely effective.

It may sound odd but I was particularly looking forward to the set of this performance – it, apparently being one of the biggest in Gatehouse Theatre history. And it ceterainly didn’t disaapoint. The set far reached the back of the stage creating a multi-dimensional set. It contained The Crown pub, a – sort of – back ally, as well as a prison and town square.

Duckett played the protagonist role of Richard III and performed it in a way that had you truly hating him. He was villainous and murderous – with serial killer vibes! The rest of the cast were superb and played a variety of roles, all of which were distinguishable through the fabulous acting and costumes.

There were some stand out scenes that included Richard III having flash backs of his treacherous murders, almost as though he did feel some form of guilt. They were done through a change of light and the murdered reappearing as though they were ghosts followed by some eerie and dramatic music.

Equally the other aspect – that I would almost like to have seen more of – were the abstract dance moments that featured at the start of the play and at the finale, where the cast danced in sequence to some theatrical music. It sounds as though it shouldn’t be part of the play but these moments were usually effective.

All in all, I truly enjoyed the evening event and especially liked this particular adaptation, which felt so suited to the story of Richard III, even though it was portraying such a different era.

Cast

Matthew Duckett RICHARD III
Peter Watts Duke of Buckingham
Sean O Callaghan King Edward/Queen Margaret/Lord Stanley
Karen Archer Duchess of York
Lucinda Freeburn Lady Anne
Benedict Shaw Clarence/Tyrell
Jason Furnival Lord Hastings/Oxford
Llinos Daniel Queen Elizabeth
Sam Morgan Davies Lord Rivers/Brackenbury/Richmond
Geraint Rhys Edwards Gatesby
Dan Carter-Hope Ratcliffe/Mayor
Conor Price Keeper/Bishop of Ely
Harry Almam/Led Baker/Owen Cambridge/Jude Holmes/Logan Meers/Noah Palmer The Princes

Creatives

Director – Richard Cheshire
Production Manager – James Bennett
Movement Director – Leanne Pinder
Set and Costume Designed – Patrick Connelan
Lighting – Barry Smith
Sound Design – Bobby Standley
Composed Music – Lucas Elliott

How much do the tickets cost?

Tickets are priced from £12-£35 (concessions and group discount available).

How do I book tickets to watch Richard III at Stafford Gatehouse Theatre?

Tickets can be booked by calling the box office on 01785 619080 or by visiting their website here.

How long is the show for and what are the timings?

The show will be running until Saturday, 4 July 2026.  The evening shows will run at 7.30pm while the matinee shows will be shown at 2pm on 27 June, 30 June and 4 July 2026.

Where is Stafford Gatehouse Theatre?

Stafford Gatehouse is an old Victorian theatre for professional and amateur shows, including Shakespeare and children’s plays. In 2007, the Borough Hall was reopened as Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, by his Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester. The Borough Hall was originally opened on 20 June 1877 and the building once housed Stafford Borough Council.

Stafford Gatehouse Theatre
Eastgate Street
Stafford
ST16 2LT
Tel: 01785 619080

Where to park?

Stafford Gatehouse Theatre is in the heart of Stafford, just seconds from the main shopping centre and central tourist attractions. It is less than 10 minutes drive from Junctions 13 and 14 of the M6 and can be found by following the theatre mask symbols on routes into the town centre. There are ample parking facilities a short walk away from the theatre and cycle racks are available outside the building. The nearest public parking is on North Walls and a map of public car parks in Stafford can be found here. We recommend parking at the Civic Centre ST16 3AQ or the Waterfront Car Park ST16 2HQ.

Review by : Lex Ward

You may want to read this:

Review: Stafford Shakespeare’s HAMLET at Stafford Gatehouse Theatre

Review: TWELFTH NIGHT – A Cornish Tale at Stafford Gatehouse Theatre

Review: A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Stafford Gatehouse Theatre

Review: Stafford Gatehouse’s Open-Air Performance of ROMEO + JULIET

Photo credit: Stafford Gatehouse Theatre / Stephen Sutton Photography

* We were provided with press tickets in exchange for a review. All opinions are our own.