'Richard 2nd, Act I, Scene I'; Actors playing Thomas de Mowbray, Duke of Norfolk and Henry Bolingbroke

Photograph of a full length, double portrait of two actors playing Thomas de Mowbray, Duke of Norfolk and Henry Bolingbroke in William Shakespeare's play, Richard II. The actors stand, facing towards each other. They both wear opulent, patterned robes. The actors are playing out Scene I, Act I.

This photograph documents Charles Kean's production of Richard II by Shakespeare, 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).