Belfast’s Lyric Theatre is to stage Shakespeare’s Richard III with two actors alternating the title role in a production tailored to accommodate their illnesses.
Michael Patrick, who has motor neurone disease, and Zak Ford-Williams, who has cerebral palsy, both using wheelchairs, will share the role of Richard, while deaf actor Paula Clarke will play Tyrell.
The Tragedy of Richard III will be adapted by Patrick and his longtime collaborator, director Oisín Kearney, whose previous work includes The Border Game and stage and television hit My Left Nut.
Publicity material states: “in a powerful reflection of Michael Patrick’s own lived experience, Richard is portrayed as the King’s youngest brother, diagnosed with a terminal illness and navigating life with a new disability. His determined quest to take the crown from his brothers and nephews comes not only from a desire to leave his mark on the world but also from a deep defiance against the cruel fate that has shaped his life”.
The production will be the Lyric’s second staging of Shakespeare this year following its open-airA Midsummer Night’s Dream, which featured performers from community, welfare and diverse-ability organisations alongside a professional cast.
It also continues the Lagan-side venue’s commitment to making accessible and inclusive theatre for performers and audiences. The production includes a full-time BSL interpreter, backstage support and fully accessible transport and accommodation where required.
Also in the cast are: Ghaliah Conroy (Lady Anne), Michael Curran Dorsano (Hastings), Allison Harding (Duchess of York), Patrick McBrearty (Buckingham), Charlotte McCurry (Queen Elizabeth), Chris McCurry (Stanley) and Ciaran O’Brien (Clarence).
Set and costume design is by Niall McKeever, lighting by Jonathan Daley, sound design by Katie Richardson, with Austin Gallagher as percussion composer.
Lyric Executive Producer, Jimmy Fay, describes the show as “a tale of ambition, power, and defiance against fate, and we are proud to present it in a way that ensures equal access and opportunity for all our artists as well as providing an unmissable and thrilling night at the theatre”.
He adds: “it represents another milestone in our work on accessibility and inclusion. Working with Oisín, Michael, Zak and Paula has been an extraordinary journey, and we are deeply inspired by their determination and bravery and we are equally inspired by the support provided by all our cast and company”.
The Tragedy of Richard III runs at the Lyric Theatre, Belfast from October 12 to November 10, with audio-described, captioned and signed performances featured on specific dates during the run.