A packed audience at Qatar National Convention Centre witnessed yesterday evening the first staging in the Middle East of Shakespeare’s Richard III featuring Kevin Spacey (second left), Oscar-winning actor and artistic director of London’s Old Vic Theatre, in the role. There is a repeat staging today at 2pm. The production, directed by Academy Award winner Sam Mendes, is on an international tour backed by the Doha Film Institute and the Middle East Theatre Academy. The tour is part of The Bridge Project, an initiative that brings together British and American actors in classic theatre productions. Currently in its third year, The Bridge Project is a unique collaboration between London’s Old Vic Theatre, Brooklyn Academy of Music and the independent UK production company Neal Street presented by Bank of America Merrill Lynch.  The cast is seen during an exclusive photo call for Gulf Times. PICTURE: Jayan Orma.