Richard 2^nd. Act 5, Scene 6; Mr Ryder as Bolingbroke. Mr [blank] as Exton 

Photograph of actors recreating Act 5, Scene 6 of William Shakespeare's play Richard II. The scene shows John Ryder as Henry Bolingbroke, later Henry IV seated on a throne on the left. On the right stands a clergyman and a man wearing armour, possibly Mr Paulo as Piers Exton. Four children actors are also present, whose costumes inspired those worn by Prince's Arthur and Leopold at the bal costumé, 7 April 1859. 

This photograph documents Charles Kean's production of Richard II, with Kean in the title role. The title for this photograph is incorrect in that it suggests that it was a recreation of Act 5 scene 6 which was omitted from Kean's production of the play. 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.