Jonathan Bailey Takes Center Stage as Lead in Shakespeare’s *Richard II* at London’s Bridge Theatre
Jonathan Bailey, the acclaimed actor best known for his role as Anthony Bridgerton in Netflix’s global phenomenon *Bridgerton*, is set to return to the stage in a major Shakespearean production. Bailey has landed the lead role in *Richard II*, which will be performed at London’s prestigious Bridge Theatre next year. The production is scheduled to run from February 10 to May 10, 2025.
This highly anticipated production of *Richard II* will see Bailey stepping into the shoes of one of Shakespeare’s most enigmatic characters. The play, known for its intricate exploration of power, loyalty, and identity, revolves around Richard II, a king whose reign is as tumultuous as it is tragic. Richard is portrayed as a charismatic and eloquent leader who is adored by his friends but fails disastrously as a monarch due to his dishonesty, capriciousness, and political incompetence. The play’s central tension revolves around the perennial question of how to manage a ruler who is entitled to his throne by divine right yet is determined to bring his kingdom to ruin.
The production will be directed by the esteemed Nicholas Hytner, a name synonymous with innovative and dynamic theater in the UK. Hytner and Bailey have previously collaborated on the 2013 National Theatre production of *Othello*, where Bailey played Cassio. Their reunion in *Richard II* promises to bring a fresh and compelling interpretation to the Shakespearean classic.
While the full cast has yet to be announced, anticipation is already building among theater enthusiasts and Bailey’s fan base alike. The production marks Bailey’s return to the Shakespearean stage, a territory he is well familiar with, having previously portrayed characters such as Cassio in *Othello* and Edgar in *King Lear*, opposite Sir Ian McKellen at the Duke of York’s Theatre in 2017. His performance in *Richard II* will be his first leading role in a Shakespeare play, adding another significant achievement to his already impressive stage career.
Tickets for the production are set to go on sale to the general public on June 26 at 10 a.m., with Bridge Theatre members enjoying the privilege of early access through the Priority sale and Advance ticket sale on June 25. Given Bailey’s rising star power and the prestigious nature of the production, tickets are expected to sell out quickly.
Bailey’s return to the stage comes amid a busy period in his screen career. He is set to make a cameo appearance in the third season of the popular Netflix series *Heartstopper*, where he will play Jack Maddox, a bestselling author and a crush of the show’s protagonist, Charlie. Additionally, Bailey is starring as Fiyero in the much-anticipated film adaptation of the musical *Wicked*, alongside pop icon Ariana Grande and Tony Award winner Cynthia Erivo. Part 1 of the *Wicked* movie is slated for release in cinemas on November 27, 2025.
As Bailey continues to captivate audiences on both stage and screen, his upcoming portrayal of Richard II is poised to be a highlight of his career and a must-see event for theatergoers.
