After Shakespeare – Richard III

I very much enjoyed this play. Both actors, Lexi and Adam, held my attention throughout and if what they say is true of Richard, then history has not been kind to that fallen king.
Condensing the complexity of Richard's story into an hour is quite an achievement and helpfully, an overview of events is provided prior to addition to the show. Adam impresses with his regal dignity and humour while Lexi embodies several different characters authentically. The pair make excellent use of the stage, a couple of chairs and a few props and music and lighting is used to good effect.

If you have an interest in Richard III, or fancy seeing some excellent acting, catch this show soon as you can!

What an amazing show. We were enthralled and Lexie Wolf in the roles of four men and two women is remarkable. Wolf's savvy performances lend depth and textured personality to each historic figure she plays. As for the Actor who played Richard III, his portrayal was endearing and pleasantly light hearted at just the right moments This shows deserves to be shown in the West End. But further, it deserves to be on the Curriculum because it's subject is deeply researched and it asks some very important questions about what a wealthy elite can do to the reputation of a principled man who's focus on social justice is a nuisance to them. Lexie Wolf is a Scholar, a brilliant actress and hopefully will become a national treasure.

Interesting show very tightly packed with information presented in a thought- provoking way. Would like to catch this show again in a more extended version than the 60 min the Fringe allows.

A provocative, entertaining and educational look at Richard III. Excellent acting and use of the space. Recommend.

5stars all round. Bravo! Brilliantly written, beautifully acted, not to be missed. More of this please!

I really enjoyed this show. The acting was excellent, with a really good story line.
Thank you

Imaginative, thought provoking and moving from scene to scene smoothly and intelligibly across many years. Realised I’d seen a previous show as soon as I saw the screen used as the set! This one just as good. Full of interest and good acting

Absolutely wonderful production, gives a far more accurate account of this much maligned monarch. The performances were superb Richard was excellent but the young lady who performed all the other roles was absolutely tremendous. May not be for non Richard 111 fans but best show I have seen this year. Actors coped very well with the heat in the venue. WELL DONE!!!

Would recommend this if you're interested in history and good acting. I went along knowing the history and being a fervid Richard fan. My husband was less well clued-up and says that the selection of scenes representing his life was well chosen and explained the story well, so you don't need to know the history to enjoy it.
The acting was superb, both from Richard and from the young woman playing all the other characters.
Once again, however, we found ourselves in an airless pit, so take water and a fan when you go.

The play was very well acted and was an engaging performance in what was an unbearably hot stuffy airless basement .

Two good performances. I also did end up reconsidering some of my opinions on Richard as a result

This two-hander production is the best thing I've seen at the festival this year. So much so that I immediately bought the script after the show and complimented all the artistes. Amazing performances from both Adam Phelan and Lexi Wolfe who also wrote the linguistically accurate script. The latter's mastery of portraying numerous different characters, both male and female, is outstanding as is Adam's embodiment of Richard. Indeed, his portrayal stirred my emotions so deeply that I was almost tearful seeing Richard go through so many trials and tribulations in his short reign and life. Adam's representation of Richard as noble, loyal and honourable is convincing and expertly holds an audience's sympathy.

As a fervent Richardian I am wholly supportive of the story of Richard III presented here. I must confess, however, that I came to watch this show with a steadfast academic knowledge of Richard's story. My master's thesis was a re-reading of Shakespeare's "Richard III" and which necessitated an in-depth research into Richard's life according to the surviving authentic historical sources which Shakespeare had manipulated in his version as a means to an end. So, I came to this alternative retelling of Richard III - appropriately named 'After Shakespeare' - with a little bias perhaps. But even if you don't feel as I do about Richard the historical figure, do go and see this show for an intimate production experience with a striking minimalist set, coupled with virtuoso direction and performance.

After Shakespeare – Richard III (****)
This two hander has ten scenes from Richard’s life that argue that, despite Shakespeare’s characterization, he was an honorable man who advocated for the masses at the expense of creating enemies among the ruling class. Nonetheless, the play does not ignore that he ordered a number of people executed on the advice of Buckingham. Each scene is well chosen, well acted, and well scripted.

This is the 10th most enjoyable of the 80 shows I have seen so far at the Fringe this year. I hope to see more than 150 this year. You may see my other three-sentence reviews, in order from most enjoyable to worst, at my non-commercial website: https://fringefan.com/

I would recommend to anybody seeing this show to really learn or remind themselves of both the history and the play before seeing this show as they explain very little of the context. One actor plays many roles with little explanation as to who they are playing at any given moment. I had to constantly read the program given to us at the start, despite being told it wouldnt be needed. The writer of play clearly wanted to make an observation and supported theory but it went completely over my head due to my lack of familiarity with the source. Acting ability was great however and both actors gave a great performance.

Excellent. A first class performance by the two actors and an interpretation of events that is not inconsistent with the facts.

A complex, comprehensive and beautifully human reinterpretation of one of history's most vilified figures, as well as the figures around him. Both Lexi Wolfe and Adam Phelan speak the words with real understanding and grace, while the script (also by Wolfe) crackles with a wit and erudition comparable to the Bard himself.

What gorgeous work from this amazing team. So lovely to see Richard's story brought to life with such love and grace. Beautiful performances and an excellent script! Ricardians will love this but so will anyone who is thirsty for quality acting, story and writing at Fringe.

Saw the show some days ago and am only sorry that phone troubles have prevented me posting about it here sooner, and praising it to the heavens! It is no easy task to turn Shakespeare on his head and challenge the great bard's portrayal of a man now consigned to the infamous ranks of England's most villainous narcissists. I will never look at those photographs of Richard's bones being excavated from that car park in Leicester in the same way again. Brilliantly structed, and superbly acted by the double-team of Lexi and Adam, this is the type of the show that compells me to put on my critic's hat and type. Five stars, no doubt about it. Folks, do yourselves a solid, as they say, and go see After Shakespeare!

I really enjoyed this show . Two excellent actors giving a well deserved retake on the character of a much maligned king . The language of the play was stunning and it was beautifully presented . If you enjoy history or just love a really good story go and see it .

If you want to watch a tense and moving exposé of the power of propaganda, don't miss After Shakespeare, Richard 111. The action is fast paced, the script full of psychological insights and the acting first class. Adam Phelan is truly compelling as a humanised, credible Richard and the multi- talented Lexi Wolfe, who play all the other parts pitch perfectly, also wrote the script. The music brings the whole production together in a memorable re- framing of history.

Exceptional acting and a new view of Richard that I really enjoyed! Only two actors play multiple characters with skill and nuance.

An engaging 2 person show exploring a new point of view of Richard III. Great for fans of British history!

Not to be missed! Adam Phelan and Lexi Wolfe bring Wolfe's brilliantly researched and reimagined Richard III and his lovers, friends, and foes to life in ten short scenes that take one's breath away. I had to keep reminding myself this wasn't Shakespeare's writing, it's that beautiful and moving. The leaflet helps the audience learn or relearn history as we move through the decades of life, not just the brief reign and death, of this complex king and his love for God and people. Bought the script immediately afterwards, it's that good.

A serious and enlightening show, a well researched piece of history and a breath of fresh air at the Fringe. Richard III comes across as a human being, one we have not been permitted to meet before, excellently portrayed by Adam Phelan.
Lexi Wolfe, the writer of this piece, convincingly plays the range of characters surrounding Richard.
In addition to the well chosen, atmospheric theme music, both actors are utterly committed to their roles, making the play an involving and satisfying experience for history-oriented theatre-goers.
Highly recommended!