Richard 2^nd, Act 1, Scene 3; Mr Cathcart as Norfolk. Mr Ryder as Bolingbroke

Photograph of a recreation of Act 1, Scene 3 of William Shakespeare's play Richard II. John Ryder as Henry Bolingbroke (on the right) and James Faucit Cathcart, who stands with his right arm raised as Thomas De Mowbray, Duke of Norfolk, appear with two other actors who wear armour and another who wears a tunic with a turban.

This photograph documents Charles 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). A hand coloured set of photographs of this production by the photographer Laroche were presented to Queen Victoria by Prince Albert for Christmas 1857.