The Wars of the Roses was a 1963 theatrical adaptation of William Shakespeare's first historical tetralogy (1 Henry VI, 2 Henry VI, 3 Henry VI & Richard III), which deals with the conflict between the House of Lancaster & the House of York over the throne of England, a conflict known as the Wars of the Roses. The plays were adapted by John Barton, and directed by Barton himself & Peter Hall at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. The plays were heavily politicized, with Barton and Hall allowing numerous contemporaneous events of the early 1960s to inform their adaptation. The production was a huge critical & commercial success, and is generally regarded as revitalizing the reputation of the Henry VI plays in the modern theatre. Many critics feel The Wars of the Roses set a standard for future productions of the tetralogy which has yet to be surpassed. The 1965 broadcast was so successful that they were shown again, as 11 episodes, each 50 minutes long, in 1966.
Episodes
Cast
Season 1
1. Henry VI
2h 43min
8th Apr 1965
First part of the RSC's landmark production of The Wars of the Roses, adapted by John Barton.
2. Edward IV
2h 55min
15th Apr 1965
The second play in the RSC's production by Peter Hall starring Alan Tucker and Peggy Ashcroft.
3. Richard III
2h 27min
22nd Apr 1965
The third part of the RSC's production by Peter Hall, starring Roy Dotrice.
