Gay star of Netflix’s “Bridgerton,” Jonathan – Johnny – Bailey, will take on the role of Richard II in a new production of the historical play at London’s Bridge Theatre, directed by Nicholas Hytner. The performance is set to run from 10 February to 10 May 2024, marking Bailey’s most significant Shakespearean portrayal yet.
Jonathan Bailey, star of Netflix’s “Bridgerton,” is set to portray Richard II in a new production of Shakespeare’s historical play. Directed by Nicholas Hytner, the performance will take place at the Bridge Theatre in London from 10 February to 10 May 2024. This role marks Bailey’s most prominent Shakespearean portrayal to date. He previously worked with Hytner in the National Theatre’s 2013 production of “Othello” and played Edgar in “King Lear” at Chichester Festival Theatre in 2017.
Hytner described the play as exploring the dilemma of an inadequate ruler and the complexities of rightful leadership, highlighting Shakespeare’s characteristic ambiguity. The production will feature a set design by Bob Crowley and be staged in a hybrid of in-the-round and traverse, departing from the immersive style seen in Hytner’s earlier works at the Bridge, such as “Julius Caesar” and “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”
The Bridge Theatre, which opened in 2017, is the flagship venue of the London Theatre Company, founded by Hytner and Nick Starr. The theatre has been showing “Guys and Dolls” since March 2023, which will conclude on 4 January 2024. The venue also houses Lightroom in King’s Cross, currently hosting an immersive David Hockney exhibition and a multimedia Apollo Moon landings experience, with live performances planned for the future.