State-of-the-art Technology Recreates the Speech of a Medieval King
Working on ‘a voice for Richard III’ was one of the highlights of 2024 for me. In addition to voicing, I’ve undertaken hundreds of productions as engineer or audio lead for projects ranging from installations at the Tate Modern to museums around the world. This was probably the most unique experience of all of them and I’ve Yvonne Morley-Chisholm to thank for inviting me to handle the audio on this fascinating and groundbreaking project.
Yvonne mentioned this passion-project to me around a decade ago and now…it has finally thanks to a wonderful team of experts.
Who was Richard III?
Richard III, one of England’s most controversial monarchs, reigned for just two tumultuous years, from 1483 until his death at the Battle of Bosworth in 1485. His reign and his reputation have been shrouded in mystery and controversy, fuelled by Shakespeare’s infamous portrayal and Tudor propaganda. But now, thanks to the “Voice for Richard” project, we have an opportunity to hear the king speak for himself, offering a new perspective on this enigmatic figure.
Richard III: A King Shrouded in Controversy
Richard III’s life was marked by political intrigue and war. Born in 1452 during the Wars of the Roses, he rose to power after the death of his brother, Edward IV. His brief reign was plagued by accusations of usurpation and tyranny, culminating in his defeat and death at the hands of Henry Tudor.
A Timeline of Richard III
A voice for Richard III: A Multi-disciplinary Effort
The “voice for Richard” project, spearheaded by voice teacher and vocal coach Yvonne Morley-Chisholm, utilises state-of-the-art technology to recreate the voice of King Richard III. It began with the astonishing discovery of Richard III’s remains in a Leicester car park in 2012, a feat made possible by the dedication of Philippa Langley, whose unwavering belief in finding the lost king led to this remarkable archaeological find.
The reconstruction of Richard’s voice was a multi-disciplinary effort, involving experts in fields ranging from dentistry and forensic psychology to speech and language therapy. Professor Caroline Wilkinson and her team at Face Lab, Liverpool John Moores University, meticulously recreated a digital avatar of the medieval king’s head, based on the 3D digital mapping of his skull.
Giving Voice to the Past: The Role of Linguistics and Voice Actors
To ensure linguistic accuracy, the team consulted with Professor David Crystal, a leading expert in original pronunciation. His expertise helped to determine how English was spoken in the 15th century, enabling the team to recreate the sounds and rhythms of Richard’s likely speech.
The Richard III Society also played a crucial role, providing valuable historical context and insights into the king’s life and personality. Their collaboration helped to ensure the authenticity of the project and its representation of Richard III.
Finally, voice actor Thomas Dennis lent his voice to the digital avatar, carefully guided by Yvonne Morley-Chisholm to capture the nuances of Richard’s speech. The result is a captivating audio experience that transports us back in time, allowing us to hear the king’s voice with a clarity and immediacy never before possible.
The Voice for Richard: A New Perspective on History
The “Voice for Richard” project is a testament to the power of technology to illuminate the past. By giving voice to a long-dead king, it challenges our preconceptions and invites us to re-examine history with fresh ears. This is more than just a technological marvel; it’s a journey into the heart of history, offering a glimpse into the life and times of one of England’s most intriguing monarchs.
You can watch the full documentary here: Richard III is Given a Voice in History Hit Documentary | History Hit
Some of the famous actors who have played Richard III
Laurence Olivier – His iconic performance in the 1955 film adaptation of Shakespeare’s play cemented the image of Richard III as a scheming, hunchbacked villain.
Ian McKellen – In 1995, McKellen starred in a film version of Richard III set in a fictionalized fascist England in the 1930s. His portrayal was both menacing and charismatic.
Anthony Sher – Known for his stage performances, Sher’s portrayal of Richard III in the 1984 Royal Shakespeare Company production was critically acclaimed for its physicality and intensity.
Kevin Spacey – Spacey played Richard III in a 2011 stage production at The Old Vic in London. His performance was praised for its modern sensibility and dark humor.
Benedict Cumberbatch – Cumberbatch took on the role of Richard III in a 2016 BBC production as part of their Hollow Crown series. His performance was lauded for its emotional depth and vulnerability.
These are just a few of the many actors who have brought their unique interpretations to the role of Richard III. Each performance contributes to our understanding of this complex and fascinating historical figure.