VIDEO: Watch The New Richard II Production Diary Video Presented By Emma Hamilton

The second of the Royal Shakespeare Company's Richard II production diary videos is now available to watch on the RSC website. The weekly diaries will document the progress of the production, starring David Tennant and directed by Gregory Doran, from early rehearsals up to the live stream of the play direct from the stage to cinemas around the UK.

In this week's diary, Emma Hamilton, who plays the Queen, talks about the first day of rehearsals.

Melbourne-born Emma describes working for the RSC as a dream. The RADA graduate first visited the company as a 15 year old on a trip to the UK, but this is her first opportunity to work with them. In the clip she speaks of the welcoming games that were used to break the ice during that first day when the large company started to get to know one another. She also shares her initial thoughts about her role and the historical context of the relationship between Richard and his Queen.

Director Gregory Doran gave the company a talk about the play, its history and his vision for their production and how they would be working together to take control of it and make it their own. "It will become entirely the product of us here, now." he told the collected actors and creatives.

"I find Greg extraordinary." says Emma. "He is the Shakespeare maestro, and it was a very, very inspiring talk that he gave us...I'm very excited about it."

Watch the video here:

Richard II will open at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon on 10th October 2013 and will run until 16th November 2013. It will then transfer to the Barbican Theatre in London from December 9th 2013 until 25th January 2014. The play will be streamed live from the stage of the Royal Shakespeare Theatre into UK cinemas on Wednesday 13th November, and subsequently into cinemas worldwide during December and January.

To find more about the production, to buy tickets and to learn more about the Live From Stratford-upon-Avon cinema screenings please visit our website

Visit the RSC Live From Stratford-upon-Avon webpages here