Richard III (The Hollow Crown)

"Richard III" is third episode of the second series of the British television series The Hollow Crown, based on the play of the same name by William Shakespeare. It was directed by Dominic Cooke, who also adapted the screenplay with Ben Power. It starred Benedict Cumberbatch as Richard III, Sophie Okonedo as Queen Margaret and Judi Dench as Cecily.[1] It was first broadcast on 21 May 2016 on BBC Two.

"Richard III"
The Hollow Crown episode
Episode no.Series 2
Episode 3
Directed byDominic Cooke
Teleplay byDominic Cooke
Ben Power
Based onRichard III
by William Shakespeare
Featured musicDan Jones
Original air date21 May 2016 (2016-05-21)
Running time130 minutes
Episode chronology
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"Henry VI, Part 2"
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Cast

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Production

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The concluding cycle of plays were produced in 2015 by the same team that made the first series and were directed by the former artistic director of Royal Court Theatre and Olivier Award winner, Dominic Cooke.[2] They were adapted by Dominic Cooke and Ben Power.

Executive producer Pippa Harris stated, "The critical and audience reaction to The Hollow Crown series set the bar high for Shakespeare on screen, and Neal Street (Productions) is delighted to be making the concluding part of this great history cycle. By filming the ‘Henry VI’ plays as well as ‘Richard III,’ we will allow viewers to fully appreciate how such a monstrous tyrant could find his way to power, bringing even more weight and depth to this iconic character."[3]

Once again, the production returned to Kent for The Wars of The Roses, filming at Dover Castle, Leeds Castle and Penshurst Place.[4]

Broadcast

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The second cycle of plays aired on consecutive Saturday evenings on BBC Two commencing Saturday 7 May 2016.[5][6]

Home media

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A Region 2 DVD set of The Wars of the Roses was released on 20 June 2016. A Region 1 DVD set was released on 21 June 2016.

Soundtrack

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The original music soundtrack from The Hollow Crown: The Wars of the Roses composed by Dan Jones was released on the Wave Theory Records label in June 2016 and performed by the BBC National Orchestra of Wales[7][8]

References

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  1. ^ "BBC Two announces further casting for The Hollow Crown: The Wars Of The Roses". BBC Media Centre. 21 August 2014. Retrieved 19 April 2016.
  2. ^ "BBC Two - The Hollow Crown". BBC. Retrieved 19 April 2016.
  3. ^ Barraclough, Leo (6 April 2014). "Benedict Cumberbatch to Play Richard III in Neal Street's Film for BBC". Variety. Retrieved 19 April 2016.
  4. ^ Kent Film Office. "Kent Film Office The Hollow Crown: The Wars of the Roses Article".
  5. ^ "Benedict Cumberbatch stars as Henry VI". UPI. Retrieved 25 April 2016.
  6. ^ "The best star studded Shakespeare TV adaptations". UK Radio Times. Retrieved 25 April 2016.
  7. ^ "The Hollow Crown: The Wars of the Roses (Film music soundtrack by Dan Jones)". Wave Theory Records. 24 November 2014.
  8. ^ "The Hollow Crown: The Wars of the Roses (Dan Jones & BBC National Orchestra of Wales)". Amazon UK.
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