Henry IV Part II

Synopsis

Hal wrestles with his destiny as heir to the throne, while his father grows increasingly sick and unable to unite and lead his country in the face of fierce opposition.

Our Review:

20 February 2001

Henry IV Part 2 By William Shakespeare RSC, The Barbican Although this play follows directly on from Part One, it’s a play that can be seen in its own right. But it will certainly be enjoyed more if you’ve already seen the earlier play as many incidents in it are referred to, without explanation. Indeed, there’s evidence that Shakespeare intended Henry IV to be just one single work.

Part Two is much more about the relationship between king and prince. With the figure of Hotspur now dead and no longer dominating the action, the king can turn to thoughts of his succession.

The comic action is now between Falstaff and other companions, notably Pistol and Bardolph, who has a much bigger role than in Part One. And of course, there are the Gloucestershire scenes with Justices Shallow and Silence to entertain the audience. We’re quickly drawn into the action. Director Michael Attenborough continues the cracking pace that he set in Part One, but the historical a...

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Latest User Review

USER: Whatsonstage.com - 10 April 2001:

Brilliant! Are much darker play than part 1 and just as absorbing. Doll Tearsheet and the two Justices are a delight. The scene between the dying king Henry (David Troughton)and Prince Hal (William Houston) is genuinely moving. Falstaff (Desmond Barritt) too is a beautifully observed melancholy and moving figure....

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