Edward IV

This autumn the Rose stage will be transformed into a battleground for The Wars of the Roses, a gripping distillation of four of Shakespeare’s history plays, directed by Trevor Nunn, one of the world’s leading Shakespearean directors.

A spectacular theatrical event not seen since it was first produced at the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1963 by Peter Hall & John Barton, The War of the Roses trilogy of plays covers one of the most tumultuous and intriguing periods of British history - the 15th Century conflict between the House of York and the House of Lancaster for the throne of England.

Through these plays Shakespeare examines the very essence of human conflict. A tale of feuding families, murderous kings and adulterous queens, scheming and betrayal, revolts and battles, The Wars of the Roses chronicles the final struggle for power in medieval England.

See all three plays in a day, see the three plays over three days, but don’t miss this once in a lifetime opportunity to see Shakespeare at his very best

The Story

The second play, adapted from Shakespeare’s Henry VI Parts II and III, intensifies the conflict between all those grasping for power. The Civil War ebbs and flows as the throne changes hands. A powerless Henry VI becomes a pacifist appalled by the fighting; his beautiful French wife becomes a warrior queen, leading her army into battle.

The white rose triumphs, promoting the accession of young Edward IV, but the red rose fights back and Henry VI is king again. As the white rose counter-attacks, nobody quite notices the emergence of an ambitious crookback youngster… called Richard.

Rose Theatre Kingston Details

Facilities at Rose Theatre Kingston

Rose Theatre Kingston Location

Please note: The location shown on the map is an approximate location of the theatre. In the majority of cases the theatre will be marked on the map so please make sure you locate the exact location yourself. If the theatre is not shown on the map please make sure you locate the correct road name and take account of the directions.