KING Richard II died in Yorkshire - either murdered or starved to death by his cousin Henry IV - 615 years ago.

This month, Bronzehead Theatre bring Shakespeare’s retelling of these historic events to Helmsley Walled Garden.

Against the backdrop of Richard’s death, they will bring to life Shakespeare's lyrical play of power and pride.

Reaping the land of its wealth, King Richard’s cronies are getting rich as they pollute the soil itself. Urged to rebellion, Richard’s cousin Bolingbroke tears down the rotten boughs of the old reign.

Stripped of his land and his kingship, Richard loses control of his own identity. Rooted in the play’s metaphor of England as a garden, Bronzehead’s actors turn their spades and pruning hooks into swords and spears, bringing fresh life to the text.

Mark Burghagen, who recently appeared in BBC One’s The Passing Bells, as the embittered German soldier Eric, takes the leading role of King Richard.

He said: “Although this play is one of Shakepeare’s lesser known tragedies, I love its poetic beauty, its strong and clear imagery and most of all, Richard’s deeply felt tension between humanity and the delusions of royal office.

"As with all of Shakespeare's great roles, he never judges them, but presents all their virtues, vices and decisions for the audience to make up their own minds.”

Tom Straszewski directs and has adapted the play for touring. His productions have included The Crucifixion for the 2014 York Mystery Plays, and Old Haunts, an adaptation of medieval ghost stories.

Tom said: “I was struck by a scene where three gardeners compare their garden to England, and how the politicians have failed to look after it, or have even tried to flog the whole thing off. I was struck by that image of a garden in decay - of working people trying to do their best while their rulers just play.

"So we took that idea, setting the whole of England within that garden, as the workers bring it back to life. That led to the idea of touring to Yorkshire gardens and especially to Helmsley Walled Garden - perfect for outdoor theatre on a beautiful summer's evening.

"I don’t think Shakespeare was just interested in noblemen squabbling. Instead, I want to get to the heart of the play, the fierce debate about what it takes to care for where you live.

"Whether that’s a whole country, or your own backyard, it’s something that inspires passionate debate. Just look at the protests over fracking or nuclear power, or the arguments over global warming. It’s about what happens when you lose something, just as you begin to value it- something that rings true today.

"And if you’re not interested in the politics, there’s still the riotous family arguments of the royal cousins, or the brilliant poetry and sharp humour of Richard in defeat."

Richard II will be performed at Helmsley Walled Garden on Thursday, July 16, at 7pm. For more information, go to bronzeheadtheatre.co.uk