King John(2015) | GENUINE |

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

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

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 King John(2015)

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. Reviewers noted that the play felt particularly modern,

Interestingly, Shakespeare’s play almost entirely ignores the signing of the Magna Carta, focusing instead on themes of legitimacy, foreign invasion, and the conflict between the monarchy and the papacy.

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 Thematic Context: The 2015 Significance The production was

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