Bridgerton's Jonathan Bailey Is Heading Back To The Stage

Bridgerton and Fellow Travelers star Jonathan Bailey is heading back to the London stage next year for a production of William Shakespeare’s play Richard II. Bailey will be assuming the titular role of King Richard, a ruler who is not as effective a king as his country would like. The new run will start at the Bridge Theatre next year, and tickets are available to book now. Here’s all you need to know:

What is Richard II about?

Bailey has previously appeared in a few Shakespeare productions in the UK, including Othello at the National Theatre and acting alongside stage legend Sir Ian McKellen in King Lear back in 2017. Now he’ll be assuming The Crown and the mantle of King Richard II, the centrepiece of one of the Bard’s most famous history plays. Richard II begins with a story arc that continues into the Henry plays (including Henry IV and Henry V).

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It’s based loosely on the real Richard’s life, following him from 1398 until 1400, and how he went from being the ruling monarch of England to his downfall due to the schemes and machinations of his nobles. Richard is an ineffective ruler who, while charismatic, makes poor decisions in leading his country and follows bad advice- leading to his country becoming less and less prosperous and more rebellious. With his subjects, who are supposed to be loyal to him and his court, at a breaking point, Richard faces a serious threat to his rule.

It’s Richard II that contains the famous “this sceptred isle” dialogue that has become one of Shakespeare’s most iconic lines, and while Richard II is a bit less famous than the likes of Hamlet and Romeo & Juliet, it should make for a riveting new production on stage.

It’s Richard II that contains the famous ‘this sceptred isle’ dialogue that has become one of Shakespeare’s most iconic line.

A few teaser images of Bailey in character as Richard point to a moody and brooding portrayal of a king losing control of his kingdom, and it looks set to be one of 2025’s best stage productions.

Who else is cast?

Bailey joins the likes of David Tennant and Ben Wishaw in playing Richard II, with Wishaw appearing in the BBC’s acclaimed series The Hollow Crown.