King John, or The Life and Death of King John is a historical drama by Shakespeare based on the rule of John, King of England. Split into five acts, this play dramatizes King John's decision to go to war against France upon hearing of its wishes to make Arthur - John's nephew - the king. The King fights against the Church as well as his nobles in his quest to prevent Arthur's ascension to the throne, thus effectively turning everyone against him. Eventually, John is poisoned by a discontented member of the religious order and his son is crowned the King. The play was first performed in 1737 at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane and became one of the most-presented plays during Queen Victoria's reign.
