See Mark Rylance in Richard III at the Apollo Theatre - incredible reviews

Richard, Duke of Gloucester, is determined that he should wear the crown of England. He has already despatched one king and that king’s son; now all that stand in his way are two credulous brothers and two helpless nephews – the Princes in the Tower. And woe betide those – the women he wrongs, the henchmen he betrays – who dare to raise a voice against him.

Monstrous, but theatrically electric, Richard is Shakespeare’s most charismatic, self-delighting villain, revelling at every moment in his homicidal, hypocritical journey to absolute power.

An all-male Original Practices production, Richard III will explore clothing, music, dance and settings possible in around 1593.

Mark Rylance's most recent stage appearance was in the West End as Johnny ‘Rooster’ Byron in the highly acclaimed production of Jerusalem at the Apollo Theatre and has previously won both Olivier and Tony awards for best actor.

Richard III will be transferring to the Apollo Theatre in the West End, opening 6 November 2012.

 'Rylance back doing what he does best. Refreshing, challenging. A crowning glory' ★★★★ - Daily Telegraph

'Rylance delivers a superb, fascinating, deeply unconventional Richard'  ★★★★ -  The Guardian

'Star's crooked King is a captivating crowd-pleaser'  ★★★★ -  Evening Standard

'This Richard is a dazzlingly complicated, troublingly likeable creature. 'Rylance is as brilliant as you'd hope.' ★★★★ - Time Out

'His genius is in its element. Fit for a king'  ★★★★ - The Independent

'Mark Rylance gives an extraordinary performance.' -  ★★★★ Daily Express

'Mesmerising to watch, Rylance creates a genuinely new and riveting interpretation of Shakespeare's Richard of Gloucester. Strong supporting cast.'   ★★★★ - The Times Critic's Choice

'It's an extraordinary performance. Rylance has the audience hungrily eating out of his hands' -  Metro

'A terrifically enjoyable production' -  Independent on Sunday