Richard II LIVE!, Purcell Room, Southbank Centre

Would a classic play by any other form stay as sweet? Swapping Shakespeare’s blank verse for a 4/4 street-style beat, the Hip Hop Shakespeare Company are busting on stage at the Southbank Centre with a rejuvenated rendition of Richard II. Mobo-winning rapper and HHSC founder Akala directs and stars in the production, alongside edgy rap artists Josh Osho and Lady Leshurr. The Bard’s tragic history is transformed into a medley of hip-hop songs with the themes of power, identity and communication remoulded to reflect modern issues. 

Exploring the cultural, linguistic and social parallels between Shakespeare’s plays and contemporary musical culture, The Hip Hop Shakespeare Company aims to engage the "hard to reach" young people with artistic excellence. Past rap performance have, unsurprisingly, inspired a backlash from the purists (among them Michael Gove) but this exciting initiative demonstrates how truly great literature stands the test of time and holds the rich potential for adaptation.