King Richard II, played by John Gielgud.

Gielgud's first success came during seasons at the Old Vic Theatre from 1929 to 1931 where his performances as Richard II and Hamlet were acclaimed. In 1937 Gielgud directed himself successfully as Richard II, with Michael Redgrave as Henry Bolingbroke; Anthony Quayle as Surrey; Harry Andrews as Bushey; Peggy Ashcroft as RichardÂ’s queen; and Alec Guinness as the Stable. Courtesy of the Billy Rose Theatre Collection, New York Public Library.