New Character Draws Inspiration from HBO’s ‘Succession’

Manuel Harlan Bailey’s portrayal of Richard II in Bridgerton, as well as his roles in Wicked, has garnered critical acclaim for his skill at portraying regal characters. He is currently performing Shakespeares play Richard II at the Bridge Theatre in London.

“I channelled many Roys,” Bailey says to BBC, comparing Richard’s authoritarian rule with HBO’s Succession series. “Both explore inherited power similarly but Succession expands on it and takes it to a new level.”

Richard II is Shakespeares first history play featuring an unlikeable king who is overthrown by his cousin Henry Bolingbroke (who later becomes Henry IV). Directed by Nicholas Hytner, Bailey brings modern elements to the character of Richard as cocaine-snorting and camp. The 36-year-old chose this role because “there was so much to explore with [Richard’s] character,” he explains.

“Its a feast of a play that really speaks to our times C it is fascinating to dive into exploring a king who has an iron-clad right to rule.”

Many critics have praised Baileys performance, highlighting his luminous quality. The Guardian’s three-star review says his “words glitter with feeling” and he “singularly shines.” They add that this puts the other actors slightly in the shade.

The Evening Standards review also adds that Bailey commands the stage while allowing camp to seep into Richard, whereas the Independent gave a four-star review mentioning how Bailey has an infectious spirit of naughtiness and uses wry put-downs. However, Dominic Cavendish from The Telegraph did suggest in his three-star review that Bailey hasn’t attained the greatness of Ben Whishaw or David Tennant.

Other actors, such as Michael Simkins who played Duke York in a “stateliness personified” performance and was praised by the Times for giving an audience-friendly commentary on unfolding intrigue. The New York Times also commended him.

Though newer fans of Bailey may not be aware that he is primarily known as a theatre actor, with appearances such as Cassio in Hytners Othello at National Theatre and alongside Ian McKellen in King Lear, his appeal to young women visiting the theatres seems to have increased. “If 10 people per show come see Shakespeare for the first time,” he says happily, then I’m doing something right.