Learn about The Hollow Crown with these stunning pictures

Like most of America, you’re probably having a bit of a Tom Hiddleston moment. This makes it perfect timing to see his performances in The Hollow Crown.

The Hollow Crown. Photo: BBC Two

Yes, this is another Downton Abbey type of situation. The Hollow Crown first aired in the UK on BBC Two. And now PBS is bringing it to Americans. It was produced by Sam Mendes. Each episode had a director of both significant British fame and talent.

What is The Hollow Crown about?

It adapts the four plays in William Shakespeare’s the Henriad:

Richard II
Henry IV, Part 1
Henry IV, Part 2
Henry V

The Hollow Crown stars:

Recognizable names such as Clemence Poesy, James Purefoy, Jeremy Irons, and Tom Hiddleston are involved. Below is a full run-down.

Richard II	Ben Whishaw as King Richard II Rory Kinnear as Bolingbroke Clémence Poésy as Queen Isabella\Anne David Suchet as Duke of York David Morrissey as Northumberland Patrick Stewart as John of Gaunt James Purefoy as Mowbray	Director: Rupert Goold
Henry IV, Part I	Jeremy Irons as King Henry IV Tom Hiddleston as Prince Hal Simon Russell Beale as Falstaff Julie Walters as Mistress Quickly Alun Armstrong as Northumberland Joe Armstrong as Hotspur	Director: Richard Eyre
Henry IV, Part II	Jeremy Irons as King Henry IV Tom Hiddleston as Prince Hal Simon Russell Beale as Falstaff Julie Walters as Mistress Quickly Alun Armstrong as Northumberland	Director: Richard Eyre
Henry V	Tom Hiddleston as King Henry V Mélanie Thierry as Princess Katherine Richard Griffiths as Duke of Burgundy Julie Walters as Mistress Quickly John Hurt as The Chorus Lambert Wilson as French King Geraldine Chaplin as Alice Edward Akrout as Louis the Dauphin	Director: Thea Sharrock