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King Lear

A stage-to-screen film of King Lear, filmed in the round in Manchester. A brutal portrait of a man unravelling - pitted against his daughters, nature and the universe itself.

A stage-to-screen film of the epic sell-out production of King Lear starring Don Warrington. This Talawa-Royal Exchange Theatre co-production was filmed in the round in Manchester, in front of an audience. The original theatrical stage production played to sell-out crowds during its run, winning 4- and 5-star reviews across the board and was described by the Guardian as 'as close to definitive as can be'.

King Lear is a brutal portrait of a man unravelling - pitted against his daughters, against nature and against the universe itself. In an ancient Britain bound by loyalty to the clan and the power of the sword, King Lear decides to give up his crown. As he divides the kingdom between his daughters, family ties disintegrate, order disappears and the land slides into chaos.

Award-winning actor Don Warrington has been highly praised for his brutal and powerful portrayal of King Lear, which resonates particularly as the UK's awareness of the impact of dementia on family bonds and decision-making grows.

Meanwhile, the casting of King Lear's family as black reminds us that the presence and influence of black people is potentially undocumented in our ancient history.

The 'in the round' recording commissioned by The Space brings the audience even closer to the family feuds, elemental attacks and epic battles of King Lear, and serves to extend the audience of an already dynamic and widely attended production.

3 hours, 5 minutes

Last on

Christmas Day 2016 19:00

Clip

Credits

Role Contributor
Production Company Saffron Cherry TV
Stage Director Michael Buffong
Director Bridget Caldwell
Producer Caroline Roberts-Cherry
Author William Shakespeare
King Lear Don Warrington
Goneril Rakie Ayola
Regan Debbie Korley
Cordelia Pepter Lunkuse
Duke of Kent Wil Johnson
Duke of Albany Mark Springer
Duke of Cornwall Norman Bowman
The Fool Miltos Yerolemou
Edgar Alfred Enoch
Edmund Fraser Ayres
Earl of Gloucester Philip Whitchurch
Oswald Thomas Coombes
Burgandy/Ensemble Rhys Bevan
King of France/Ensemble Miles Mitchell
Woman/Ensemble Sarah Quist
Ensemble Sam Glen

Broadcast