King Lear is one of Shakespeare’s most powerful tragedies. It is full of love and hate, loyalty and treachery, cruelty and self-sacrifice. King Lear tells the story of a king in pre-Roman Britain. The play begins with an ageing King Lear who is seeking a successor. As a father of three, he rejects the young daughter who loves him and misplaces his trust in two other daughters who pretend to show affection for him. In return they strip him of his power and treat him with disrespect. This drives King Lear into madness and puts the kingdom in chaos. Shakespeare’s tragedy continues to be popular in theatres, film and paperbacks. Check it out!

Fun Facts:

• The play contains the earliest known reference to the phrase ‘football player’.
• The first known production of ‘King Lear’ was staged for King James
• A version of ‘King Lear’ has been performed with sheep.