Richard 2nd, Act 3, Scene 2; Mr Kean as King Richard 

Photograph of a recreation of Act 3, Scene 2 of William Shakespeare's play Richard II as shown at the Princess's Theatre, Oxford Street. In the centre of the group stands Charles Kean as Richard II, who wears a tunic and helmet. In the scene the King has returned to England from Ireland. In the background stand a soldier holding a halberd, two boys or attendants who wear royal livery and a clergyman wearing robes. 

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