Henry IV Part I

Synopsis

Young Prince Hal is leading a dissolute life, hanging around bars with his notorious friend Falstaff and other disreputable characters. Meanwhile King Henry IV, who has usurped the throne, is facing growing opposition, which becomes open rebellion led by the courageous young Hotspur. Prince Hal casts off his wanton ways and joins his father's side as the King meets the rebellion in a dramatic battle.

Our Review:

8 June 2004

This is the first time that this play has been performed at the Regent's Park theatre. In some ways that's strange as Falstaff is a natural crowd pleaser for this attractive setting. On the other hand, if the theatre is going to produce as many cumbersome and badly-acted productions as this, there'll be no queues of people waiting to see it. In fact, given the number of people who were walking out during the evening, I thought we might see more people on stage than in the audience.

Director Alan Strachan never really gets to grip with either of the main themes of this play. The first being the king's despair at his son's behaviour, a despair exacerbated by Hotspur's emergence as the sort of son that Henry wished he had.

Add to this theme, the fact that Henry is deeply sorrowful of his part in the overthrow of Richard and guilt about his accession and a desire for peace are strong motives for all his subsequent behaviour. Strachan draws our attention to this right from the s...

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Latest User Review

USER: Whatsonstage.com (193.118.206.221) - 3 August 2004:

Absolutely stupendously good. Hal and Falstaff's relationship touching and funny. I was sad to hear it was coming off early for MSND. That's reviewers for you!...

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