Richard 2^nd, Act I, Scene 3; Mr Ryder as Bolingbroke. Mr Walter Lacy as Gaunt

Photograph of actors recreating Act I, Scene 3 in William Shakespeare's play Richard II. The scene depicts John Ryder as Henry Bolingbroke and Walter Lacy as John of Gaunt who stands with his arm raised.

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.