Shakespeare introduces one of his most notorious villains in Richard III. Richard, the deformed youngest brother of the newly crowned King Edward, vows to his audience to “prove himself a villain.” Armed with unparalleled skills of persuasion and deceit, he murders and manipulates his way to the English throne. A strangely lovable villain, Richard easily wins his audience over, leaving us to question who we are truly rooting for. However, a kingdom built on lies and ruthless ambition is destined to crumble. Richard entrances the audience with his wit, cunning manipulation of language, and vicious determination—qualities that once won his audience, ultimately lead to his rapid downfall.

Performing from April 9th-12th and 16th-19th, all performances are at The Natti-Willsky Performance Center, Home of Gloucester Stage Company, 267 East Main Street, Gloucester. Showtimes are Thursdays-Saturdays at 7:30pm and Sundays at 3:00pm. Tickets can be purchased online or by calling the box office at 978-281-4433.