Photograph of actors recreating Act 3, Scene 2 in William Shakespeare's play Richard II. Five actors face the camera. At the centre of the group stands Charles Kean (1811-68), playing Richard II. He is dressed in armour and gazes upwards.
This photograph documents Kean's production of Richard II, with Kean in the title role. The production was shown at Princess's Theatre, London, where Kean presented many adaptations of Shakespeare's plays. The plays were distinguished for their elaborate scenery and attention to detail that included historically authentic costumes and music. Queen Victoria saw Kean's production of Richard II five times (Royal Archives reference VIC/MAIN/Z/115).
