I know what you’re thinking. “King who?” King John is not the first name that comes to mind when you mention Shakespeare’s histories, and you might even draw a blank when it comes to the historical record.

Well, let me just tease you a little. According to legend, King John was the cruel monarch who prompted the adventures of Robin Hood! (To be fair, there is no evidence that the stories associated with Robin Hood were based on real events, during John‘s reign or any other time.) We do know that John was the younger brother and successor of King Richard the Lion-Hearted, and that he was so unpopular, his nobles organized at a field called Runnymede, and forced him to sign the Magna Carta. I know you’ve heard of that!

We finish The Life and Death of King John, on ZOOM, from 7pm on December 2nd. We meet at 7pm to watch scenes from the play on video, then start reading ourselves from 7:30pm.

Go to the Files page of this site for more information about the play. Hover on, then click on King John.