History has no lack of controversies, and there is certainly no other English monarch that has invited more argument and debate than Richard III. First there was the question of whether he should be buried in York or Leicester, but this summer, The York Dungeon is asking one question that still has no answer: was Richard III a Hero or Villain?
The Dungeon is inviting guests to decide for themselves, as they take some of their most popular shows back in time to the Wars of the Roses, when Richard III ruled over the city.
“We’re all hugely excited here at The Dungeon” says performance manager John Andrews, “The new changes tell a story we’ve never told before, and the audience, as always, will be directly involved in that story, with plenty of surprises on the way”.
Richard III marks the 3rd character in the yearlong Yorkshire Rogues & Legends campaign at The York Dungeon, and John hopes it will reignite some debate about the Yorkist King.
“Obviously you have Shakespeare’s version of Richard III, as this grotesque villain, but we want to portray the Richard that York loved; the man who had so many connections to the city, that a lot of people seem to have forgotten”.
Stuart Jarman, General Manager adds ‘The burial debate was one of great interest and conflict in York as many believed it should have been Richard’s final resting place but the Dean of York’s back door deal with her old haunt; Leicester denied the city, and Richard, of this’.
Families and other guests can still expect the full Dungeon experience, with the attraction open every day this summer.
As John summarises: “You’ll still meet all of York’s famous characters, from the Vikings to Dick Turpin, with plenty of scares and laughs to be had!”
Richard III – Hero or Villain? runs from the 21st July to 2nd September.
For more information, head to: www.thedungeons.com/York
