King Lear divides his kingdom into three parts for his three daughters and their husbands, but his youngest daughter Cordelia disappoints him and he therefore gives her share to the other two.

The King of France agrees to marry Cordelia despite what has happened and she goes with him to France.

The Earl of Gloucester’s youngest son Edmund fools his father into believing that his older son, Edmund’s half-brother Edgar, wants to kill Gloucester.

Edmund tells Edgar to run away because his life is in danger and Edgar disguises himself as a ‘mad’ beggar called ‘Poor Tom’.

King Lear goes to stay with his oldest daughter Goneril. She asks him to reduce the number of his followers because of their noise and behaviour. He is deeply offended and goes to stay with his daughter Regan instead. Regan makes sure she is not at home and goes to Gloucester’s house.

Outside Gloucester’s house, Goneril and Regan unite against their father. He refuses to give up his followers and instead walks off into a storm.

Lear meets ‘Poor Tom’ in the storm. Gloucester then finds Lear, gives him food and shelter and sends him to Dover to meet up with Cordelia.

Regan and her husband Cornwall torture Gloucester for helping Lear and gouge out his eyes. ‘Poor Tom’ then finds his blind father and helps him travel to Dover to meet the king.

Goneril and Regan’s British armies, supported by Edmund, defeat Cordelia's invading French forces. Lear and Cordelia are captured and she is later killed.

Edgar kills Edmund in a duel. Goneril poisons Regan and kills herself. Lear dies mourning Cordelia.