Richard II: Episode 2

King Richard’s wealthy uncle, John of Gaunt, is on his deathbed, heartbroken over the banishment of his son, Bolingbroke. Gaunt hopes to warn Richard about the dire state of the kingdom, but the king does not heed his warning. When Gaunt dies, Richard claims Gaunt’s inheritance — intended for the banished Bolingbroke — and uses it to fund a war with Ireland. But Richard finds that success at home does grant success at home: Many of his most loyal nobles have defected or been executed, his forces have abandoned their posts, and Bolingbroke has returned from banishment.

DIVE DEEPER INTO RICHARD II:

Read the radio play script for RICHARD IIRead an episode-by-episode synopsis of RICHARD IICast and Characters - Visual Guide

For more information about Free Shakespeare on the Radio and Richard II, visit wnyc.org/shakespeare