By William Shakespeare. Bell Shakespeare. Directed by Peter Evans. Canberra Theatre, 6 – 15 April, 2017 and Arts Centre Melbourne, 20 April – 7 May.
Kate Mulvany clearly relishes playing Richard 3. Sharing some of his physical limitations which she’s able to use to impressive effect, she has an affection for this maligned villain. Her Richard is impish, clever, bitter, murderous with an infectious giggle, and emphatically, convincingly masculine. There’s something of Cabaret’s Emcee to him, a consummate but self-conscious performer. Her brilliant portrayal would make this production captivating, even without the lavish set, attention to detail and excellent cast.