The Revels Plays Series

Thomas of Woodstock

Published 14 March 2002

This anonymous manuscript play has long been the subject of scholarly dispute regarding its relationship with Shakespeare's "Richard II". This edition, which thoroughly re-examines the text, situates the play within its historical and political context, relating it to the genre of chronicle drama to which it belongs. The manuscript is of particular interest in that it appears to have been used in the playhouse over a considerable period of time and contains what seems to be evidence of the theatre practice of the time. The marginalia, including "false" entries, actors' names, instructions for omission, references to stage properties and cues for musical effects, are documented in an Appendix and discussed in the Introduction. The play is also of special interest for its skilful and original handling of source material which may well have influenced Shakespeare's "Richard II". The extensive appendices drawn from Holinshed, Grafton and Stow provide the reader with the opportunity to investigate the manner in which the dramatist has shaped the material.