On Tuesday night Emmanuel chapel was brought to life with the arrival of the Shakespearean tragedy Richard II. The play is part of a historic set of Shakespearean plays, however the play centres on the effects of the characters' powerful emotions: anger, jealousy, ambition and greed filled the chapel, producing a stunning performance.

The young monarch, played by the captivating Bea Svistunenko and directed by Jamie Armitage, has a vivacious energy, even as the character's demand for excess and detachment from the kingdom result in the destruction of her kingship. Bea plays Richard as a king of extravagance, one who desires luxury, but who lacks the necessary skills for kingship.

The extravagance of the character thematically matches the setting of the Emmanuel chapel. The play is set in 1398, and a major theme is power, tracing the fall of King Richard II as he is usurped by the first Lancastrian king, Henry IV. Richard's poetic language is contrasted with the more pragmatic language of Henry.

It was certainly a brave choice to put the play on in a chapel, but the unusual setting works marvelously, adding a sense of realism. Compared to the limited stage of the ADC, the historic setting of Emmanuel chapel brought the play to life, at times providing the perfect atmosphere, draping the drama in a lavish backdrop of religion. 

The actresses used the full space of the chapel to their advantage, but ultimately it was the ambiance of the space which created the tension of the play. Traditionally, this is a male-dominated play, but was subverted by an all-female cast; perfectly timed for the celebration of International Women's Day. 

The effect of this gender inversion was profound: instead of a being hemmed in by a play themed around questions of masculinity, the lyrical flair of poetic language was allowed to breathe. The reinvention works magically. Richard II is one of the Shakespeare's most gripping plays. The arrival of an all female cast did not make this any less so.