Henry V Review

Henry V

(Tour - Salisbury Playhouse, Salisbury)

I admit that although I admire its nationalistic approach, Henry V is not one of my favourite Shakespeare plays. My interest though was in Shakespeare’s debates Henry’s decision making and the consequences of warfare. This production is also being directed by Dominic Dromgoole, director of the critically acclaimed Henry IV Parts 1 and 2, whilst Jamie Parker returns to play the role of Henry once again.

This production is primarily traditional and inevitably sticks to the plays patriotic ideals. The acting would therefore have to shine to make the production stand out, which it did. This is not entirely a follow up from the Globe Theatre’s productions of Henry IV Parts 1 and 2. As well as Jamie Parker, returning are James Lailey and Paul Rider as Bardolph, but the rest of the cast are played by new actors, including Histories veteran, Roger Watkins.

Jamie Parker did very well in performing the charismatic king. Watching his ‘Once more into the breach’ speech it was clear that he was fully engaged in the moment and was able to do the speech justice. As a leader he was both passive yet determined, whilst the awkward wooing scene between him and Olivia Ross as Princess Katherine was very humorous. It was apparent however that Jamie’s voice was a bit rough and at times he was struggling to say the words clearly.

The other highlights are the comical characters. Brendan O’Hea gave a clear Welsh accent as Captain Fluellen, which allowed for some memorable moments. Sam Cox played a rowdy yet cowardly Pistol, Paul Riders’ Bardolph is more prominent in this production than he was in Henry IV, whilst David Hargreaves played a simple-minded Nym who appeared younger than his years.

The set is a basic version of the Globe Theatre, which helped the production get into a Shakespearean vibe from the start. Like Henry IV Parts 1 and 2 the production made full use of the space, especially the balcony, allowing for some detailed scenes. The siege of Harfleur was announced by a barrage of explosions and smoke whilst the Battle of Agincourt involved some interesting choreographed moments including Henry and some soldiers swinging from axes in slow motion.

My favourite Henry V production would have to be Michael Boyd’s as part of the Histories, and I still remember the actors walking over the coffins of buried soldiers during the last few scenes. However this production is just as good primarily due to the actors in it, and is worth seeing at a low Top Price