WILLIAM Shakespeare’s rarely performed tale of a nation in turmoil, King John, has just opened at Stratford-upon-Avon’s Swan Theatre for a lengthy run into the new year.

Directed by Eleanor Rhode in her debut at the RSC, she will be presenting a play that vibrates with modern resonance in this vivid new production.

Richard the Lionheart is dead. His brother John is King of England.

Threatened from all sides by Europe, the English noblemen and even his own family, King John will stop at nothing to keep hold of his crown.

It really is a case of a ‘Mad world! mad kings! mad composition!’ King John will be filmed for later broadcast to cinemas as part of our Live From Stratford-upon-Avon series.

The play is scheduled to close on March 21, 2020.