Jonathan Bailey mesmerizes the audience and critics at the Bridge Theatre.

Jonathan Bailey once again confirms himself as one of the most versatile and magnetic actors of his generation with his extraordinary performance in Richard II at the Bridge Theatre under the masterful direction of Nicholas Hytner. Having already captivated audiences as the brooding and charismatic Anthony Bridgerton in Bridgerton, Bailey has steadily expanded his repertoire, effortlessly moving from period romance to high fantasy in Wicked and now diving into the profound complexity of Shakespearean tragedy. This seamless transition across genres speaks volumes about Bailey's unmatched range and ability to completely transform himself for every role he takes on.

Hytner’s immersive approach at the Bridge Theatre strips Richard II down to its raw core, placing the audience in close proximity to the action and allowing Bailey to deliver a performance that feels both intimate and monumental. From the moment he steps on stage, Bailey commands attention, embodying Richard’s regal poise with a delicate and almost fragile edge. His Richard is not a distant and untouchable monarch but a deeply human figure whose identity begins to crumble the moment his power is threatened.

Bailey’s natural charisma, which served him so well in Bridgerton, is cleverly employed here in the early scenes, giving his king an undeniable magnetism. But it is his unraveling, the slow erosion of authority and selfhood, that showcases the depth of his talent. Under Hytner’s direction, Bailey finds the perfect balance between Richard’s divine entitlement and his human vulnerability. There are moments of sharp humor, where Bailey’s quick wit flashes through, only to be rapidly undercut by devastating bursts of fragility as Richard realizes the inevitability of his downfall.

Royce Pierreson as Henry Bolingbroke and Jonathan Bailey

The physicality of Bailey’s performance is particularly striking. At the height of his power, his movements are grand and deliberate, filled with the confidence of a man who believes his rule is untouchable. But as his grip on the throne weakens, Bailey’s posture shifts. His gestures become smaller and his body visibly caves under the weight of his diminishing authority. Hytner’s decision to keep the staging minimalist intensifies this transformation, allowing Bailey’s physical and emotional descent to take center stage.

Hytner's direction makes this Richard II feel profoundly modern and urgent, stripping away any lingering pageantry often associated with Shakespearean history plays. The Bridge Theatre’s dynamic space allows the audience to feel embedded in the unfolding tragedy, heightening the raw intensity of Bailey’s performance. In one particularly haunting moment, when Richard’s crown is finally stripped from him, Bailey’s face crumples into pure devastation, a moment so visceral that the entire theatre seems to hold its breath.

What makes Bailey’s portrayal so extraordinary is his ability to embody both the humor and the tragedy of Richard. He captures the king’s inherent performativity, a man who believes himself divinely ordained, but also the crushing loneliness of losing not just a kingdom but a sense of self. There is no clear line where the actor ends and the character begins. Bailey fully inhabits the role, allowing the audience to feel every flicker of heartbreak, defiance, and desperate grasp for dignity.

Bailey's transition from mainstream screen roles to the intensity of Shakespearean theatre feels not only natural but transformative. His work in Bridgerton and Wicked demonstrated his charisma and charm, but Richard II at the Bridge Theatre under the expert vision of Nicholas Hytner cements his place as one of the most formidable dramatic actors of his generation. This performance is not simply a star turn but a revelation, and it is impossible to walk away without the haunting echo of Bailey’s Richard still resonating.

With Hytner’s bold and immersive staging and Bailey’s devastatingly human portrayal, Richard II becomes a masterclass in contemporary Shakespearean theatre. It is clear that Bailey’s talent knows no bounds, and his willingness to dive into the depths of vulnerability and power solidifies his status as one of the most compelling actors working today. This production is not just a performance. It is an unforgettable theatrical experience. Bailey and Hytner have crafted a Richard II that will undoubtedly linger in the minds of those fortunate enough to witness it.