Reader Reviews
Henry IV Part I (Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, West End)
Back to Show Details| Score | Comment | Date |
 | After getting my head about the story line before I saw the play, it was pure joy to watch these fine actors in action. Allam was at his best, enjoying every second of his stage time and was hard to match by Jamie Parker as Hal/Harry/Henry while Sam Crane as Hotspur was at his best. I wish I could see it again but very free according to Falstaff "due to the consumption of my purse" and the hard benches I am looking forward for the filmed version which should be available next year. - Elisabeth | 14 Sep 10 |
| Roger Allam makes Falstaff his own, for the time being that is and until I've seen Christopher Benjamin play the role. I loved Allam's bluff swaggering but where was the pathos?. Jamie Parker for his part is a sprightly, laddish Hal but where was the man who would be king? For all that it was a rip roaring production well ably supported by the other players. - rds | 31 Aug 10 |
| HIV1 - Very enjoyable, the production made good use of the Globe setting. I did feel at times tha Allam was channelling Brian Blessed a little but both Harry and Hotspur played exceptionally well. - V Baker | 21 Jul 10 |
| I wasn't sure how well the history plays would fare in this most difficult of venues but Dominic Dromgoole has directed a superbly vibrant production of HIV1. There is an excellent mix of younger actors and older RSC types playing the dukes who combine to present a well-spoken and clearly defined play, although Oliver Cotton's Henry is a bit underpowered. Of course it is essential that Falstaff is larger than life in all senses and Roger Allam is superb - full of bluff and bluster but with a suggestion of self-awareness which bodes well for Part II. I am back for that in a couple of weeks and can't wait if it's as good as Part I. - David Baxter | 24 Jun 10 |
