The BBC have today released promotional pictures for the first instalment of their adaptations of Henry VI Part One, Two, Three and Richard III. Presented as the sequel to The Hollow Crown (The 2012 adaptations of Richard II, Henry IV Part One and Two and Henry V) The Hollow Crown – The Wars of the Roses features a star studded cast including the likes of Benedict Cumberbatch as Richard III, Tom Sturridge as Henry VI, Hugh Bonneville as Gloucester, Sophie Okonedo as Queen Margaret of Anjou, Dame Judi Dench as Cecily, Duchess of York and many more besides. The first part of The War of the Roses, Henry VI Part One will air on BBC Two on Saturday the 7th of May from 9:00pm to 10:50pm. A synopsis for the play and more promotional pictures can be found below:

Hugh Bonneville, Sally Hawkins and Tom Sturridge lead a fine cast as the adaptations of Shakespeare’s historical plays continue with Henry VI, Part 1. Seventeen years after the death of his father, Henry VI sits on the throne while the rivalries at court continue – Richard Plantagenet, Duke of York has a strong claim to the crown. Across the channel, the war continues as Rouen falls to the French, led by Joan of Arc. Somerset retakes the city and woos Margaret of Anjou as a potential bride for Henry VI. Despite Gloucester’s protests, Margaret is introduced to the court as Henry’s queen. Lines of battle are drawn up as rival factions set their sights on the throne.