Globe, Everyman & Playhouse bring Henry V to Liverpool, 12 April

Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse has announced an ensemble cast, including Brid Brennan, Nigel Cook and Matthew Flynn, who will join the previously announced Jamie Parker in the title role of Henry V, directed by Shakespeare’s Globe Artistic Director Dominic Dromgoole. Henry V is at the Liverpool Playhouse next month prior to a five-week tour before it returns to co-producers Shakespeare’s Globe from 7 June to 26 August.

Parker returns in Henry V, having performed as Prince Hal in both critically acclaimed productions of Henry IV Part 1 and 2 at the Globe. He was an original cast member of The History Boys (National Theatre), performing in the London, world tour and Broadway productions as well as the film. Other work includes The Revenger’s Tragedy (National Theatre) and films Valkyrie and The Journey Home.
 
Dominic Dromgoole, Artistic Director of the Globe will direct Shakespeare’s masterpiece about the turbulence of war and the art of peace, completing his interpretation of the three plays that follow Henry from a wild adolescent to a heroic King. Designer Jonathan Fensom and composer Claire Van Kampen will join Dominic once again having worked with him on Henry IV Parts 1 and 2.

Brid Brennan appeared in the acclaimed Intemperance, by Lizzie Nunnery and directed by Gemma Bodinetz, at the Everyman in 2007. In Henry V she will take on the role of Chorus. Her recent theatre credits include The Veil (National Theatre), Philadelphia Here I Come (Gaiety Theatre), Bliss (Royal Court) and Silver Birch House (Arcola Theatre). Television credits include the BBC’s latest series of Upstairs Downstairs, South Riding and Doctor Who.
 
Nigel Cooke performed opposite Pete Postlethwaite in King Lear at the Liverpool Everyman in Liverpool’s Capital of Culture Year. He performed in the Globe’s 2011 production of Doctor Faustus while his other theatre credits include All My Sons (National Theatre) and An Inspector Calls (Garrick).

Matthew Flynn has become a familiar face to Liverpool audiences following performances in Macbeth and A Streetcar Named Desire in the last 12 months. His other acting credits include As You Like It (West Yorkshire Playhouse) and 1984 (Royal Exchange Manchester).
 
Henry V will feature a number of regular Globe company members including Brendan O’Hea, David Hargreaves and Sam Cox.  Completing the cast is Graham Butler, Giles Cooper, Kurt Egyiawan, Beruce Khan, James Lailey, Paul Rider, Olivia Ross, Chris Starkie, Lisa Stevenson and Roger Watkins.

Henry V runs at the Liverpool Playhouse from 12 – 28 April.