'Richard 2nd, Act I, Scene I'; Mr Cathcart as Thomas de Mowbray, Duke of Norfolk. Mr Ryder as Henry Bolingbroke

Photograph of a full length, double portrait of James Faucit Cathcart as Thomas de Mowbray, Duke of Norfolk and John Ryder as Henry Bolingbroke in Act 1 scene 1 of William Shakespeare's play, Richard II. The actors stand, facing towards each other. They both wear opulent, patterned robes.

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