Synopsis Shakespeare's patriotic history play about the warrior-king. Henry V leads the English to victory at Agincourt and afterwards is taught the words of love by the French Princess, Katherine. A vivid depiction of the horrors of war and a romantic, fast-moving story.
Henry V is brought to life once more by the Globe’s artistic director, Dominic Dromgoole, in an adaptation that is every bit as exhilarating as the text itself. Written in 1599, Henry V is one of Shakespeare’s most popular plays. Full of unforgettable characters, noble speeches, heroic battles, and of course victory against the French by the English underdogs. The powerful themes running throughout made it the perfect choice for collaboration between the Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse, and the iconic Globe theatre.
Jamie Parker steps into the title role in a confident manner, bringing passion and conviction to a difficult character. As a King he is torn between what he considers a merciful belief system, and his acts of war, which ultimately lead to the slaughter of thousands. Parker is extremely adept at delivering impassioned speeches. His St. Crispin's Day Speech in particular is full of force and determination, attributes which make him captivating to watch. Yet it is his moments of humour and school boyish wooing of Princess Katherine (Olivia Ross) that ultimately charms the audience. Here is an actor who is perfectly cast for the role, a complete triumph.
Joining Parker on stage are a whole host of characters who enrich the performance. Nym, Bardolph and Pistol (David Hargreaves, Paul Rider and Sam Cox) provide plenty of laughs with their charming and often cringe worthy antics. There are moments when they have the audience roaring with surprised laughter. [Brendan O’Hea]’s portrayal of the Welshman, Captain Fluellen also brings some much needed humour to the smoke and blood stained fields of Agincourt. His time on stage is a joy to behold, and is still playing on my mind today.
A special mention has to go to Brid Brennan in her role of chorus. It is her words that seamlessly bring the acts together, transporting us effortlessly from England to France, and back home again. To those who fear that Shakespeare performances are inaccessible and drawn out, I urge you to book a tickets and give Dromgoole’s Henry V a chance. You won’t be disappointed! Try and take your seats early in order to hear the band play pre-show. Their exquisite performance really sets the mood of the entire night.
Enjoyed very much as never seen a stage presentation of this before. Music, humour and the wooing of Kate highlights. For me, the St. Crispin's Day Speech was a bit of a let-down -I preferred Kenneth Branagh's for passion and tense anticipation. Apart from this Jamie Parker excellent, as were all the cast. Pistol and Llewellyn particularly good and I enjoyed the English words scenes with Kate and her lady-in-waiting. Many sniggers from the students around me regarding these ! Bravo to all the cast ! - Andy W
25 Apr 12
Great production and cast,well worth seeing. - J Mooney
Built in 1866 as The New Star Music Hall and renamed in 1911 this is the oldest established repertory company in the country. The building was extended in the 60's to provide bar, restaurant and foyer facilities. ·Under the weight of historical debts the Playhouse went into liquidation and closed, 3rd January 1998. In 1999, The Liverpool and Merseyside Theatres Trust was set up to take over the joint operation of the Everyman Theatre and the Playhouse. The company took over the running of the Everyman, 1st April 2000. ·The Playhouse re-opened to the public, Thursday 14th December 2000 with a production of Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol.
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