Richard II 5.3 (excerpt) from Shakespeare's Globe

[unkakeem]

is it suppose to be funny??

[cantecleer]

Yes, one a few different levels it's rather funny.

For one, when originally performed (as with this production), men played all the parts, including those of women characters. So, there are moments of the dialogue/action referring to the "femininity" of the Duchess that is funny to both modern and (probably) original audiences.

For example, Henry IV's "let your mother in" contrasts with the male "in drag" who eventually comes storming in to steal the scene/change the whole course of the play

[cantecleer]

Likewise, it is funny (and probably even more so in the past) when you look at gender roles.

Here, we have endless political upheaval. Powerful factions are fighting for power and favor with a new king, important matters of state are to be decided, and in the middle of this raging storm comes a woman who turns everything upside down.

It's different now, but for a female character (especially performed by a male) to waltz in and stop everything on a dime = so unusual back then that it's funny

[cantecleer]

Finally, Peter Shorey's performance is perfect. He is right on with portraying feminine traits in a believable fashion while still using the absurdity of the lines and the clear gender mismatch to add a playfulness to it. A force of nature, to be sure... :)

[kroxburgh]

Fantastic - wish I could find out how to get hold of the whole thing. Brilliant acting

[mymuk]

The late Bill Stewart, sadly missed.