"David and I worked together a number of times but most recently on Hamlet in Stratford and it's great to have him back playing one of Shakespeare's great lyric, tragic roles." - Digital Spy - Mayer Nissim - January 23, 2013
"Of Tennant’s casting Doran admitted the title role of the famous Shakespeare play would be a “challenge”, adding: “Of course Hamlet was a challenge, it’s the Everest. Richard II is written entirely in verse. He has no problem with verse. He breathes it, he makes it sound as if it is completely effortless.”
The director went on to say how the main obstacle for Tennant to overcome in his role would be “the sense of the man’s volatility, fragility; that psychology is more alien to David’s character”
After its opening at the famous Stratford theatre, the production will then move to the equally famous London Barbican Theatre, which was the company’s home for 20 years before moving in 2002, in December, of which Doran commented:
“They are welcoming of our return. We are different to 10 years ago, so is the Barbican.”
As for a new place to permanently call home, the company is still looking around London for somewhere suitable, with looks to be finally settled by 2016 of which Doran mused: “Every option is back on the table.” However it is thought that the Barbican is, at this point, not an option being considered:
“I have no qualms about how it may look if we did discuss that. They may not want us anyway. It is a two way conversation after all,” - primetime.unrealitytv.co.uk - Anna Howell - January 24, 2012
"Doran, who is also artistic director of the RSC, said: “I am delighted that we will be presenting Richard II to London audiences at the Barbican this winter, following our very successful collaboration during the World Shakespeare Festival.
“As we
Toni Racklin, head of theatre at the Barbican, said: “I am thrilled to welcome the RSC to the Barbican for Gregory Doran’s inaugural season with this highly anticipated production of Richard II with David Tennant.
“The play, which perfectly complements our year-round programme, will receive a seven-week run in the theatre over Christmas and is part of our ongoing commitment to present world-class theatre on our stages and beyond. “We look forward to working closely with our colleagues at the RSC to bring Richard II to London.” - London24.com - Sarah Shaffi - January 23, 2013
"The actor expressed delight at the prospect of treading the boards again.
He said: “I’m very excited about being back at the RSC. It’s my fourth season with the company and it’ll be getting on for 20 years since I was first there. It’s always an honour. If you want to do Shakespeare’s plays, and I do, then, really, it’s the place to do them.”
Tennant also revealed that he’s been a lifelong fan of Richard II and is looking forward to putting his stamp on the play’s leading role.
“I saw Derek Jacobi play Richard II when I was at drama school. He was touring and he came to Glasgow, and it was one of those formative experiences for me. I’ve seen the play many times since and I’ve always been fascinated by it. It felt like there was always something in that part that was extraordinary and enticing, and slightly unknowable."
“[Richard]’s not a hero at all. He’s quite a complicated character, so I’m daunted by the prospect of doing it justice but very excited to get a chance.” - Radio Times - Tom Cole - January 23, 2013
