Moviesanddramas.blogspot.com presents review on Henry IV Play:

Moviesanddramas.blogspot.com presents review on Henry IV Play:


The two plays tell the story of Henry IV and his struggles against some of his rebellious subjects. In effect, these plays are about political squabbling – apparently nothing much has changed since the 15th century, the time when these plays are set. Henry IV (Henry Bolingbroke) usurped the English throne from Richard II helped along the way by a number of chums among the nobility who, by the time part 1 starts, are getting belligerent because they don't think they've had their fair share of the spoils. Cue insurrection and rebellion involving the English, Welsh as well as the Scots. At the start though, King Henry lacks the support of his eldest son, Prince Hal, who prefers carousing with his drunken pals – including Sir John Falstaff - in Eastcheap. However, when confronted by the King, Hal dutifully joins the battle and the rebels are eventually defeated.

The Globe's artistic director, Dominic Dromgoole is in charge for this historical epic that unfolds over the course of six hours (more or less three hours for each part). It's a hugely challenging production to mount for both director and cast alike, and Dromgoole rightly resists the temptation to tinker with the setting, leaving it squarely where it belongs in the 15th century. Dromgoole has subtly achieved the essential balance between the drama of political intrigue at court and on the battlefield, and the humour of the tavern. Dromgoole's seamless creative vision incorporates dance and singing into the theatrical mix, and the result is enjoyable, entertaining and authentic.

Falstaff is one of Shakespeare's great characters. Large in almost every sense, he's a drinker, time waster and liar, and is not averse to resorting to theft when there are easy pickings. In fact, there's not much in him which should make him appealing or likeable, but nevertheless he is. Roger Allam is one of our finest actors and here gives us a first-class, innovative interpretation of Falstaff. The trick in playing Falstaff is to convince us that Sir John has two main character traits. On the one hand, he's intelligently eloquent, while on the other hand he's something of a scoundrel. Though he may appear a buffoon, he's certainly no fool and that's how Allam chooses to play him. Many actors don huge amounts of padding to enlarge their stomachs when playing Falstaff, but Allam uses very little, not because he's in any way corpulent, but he does have the stature to realise a larger-than-life character. And what Falstaff does and says is more important than mere physical characteristics. Allam's comic timing is impeccable, wringing out the last morsel of humour from a line with careful use of pauses.

There's great support from the entire cast – many of whom have several character roles to tackle. Sam Crane is the virile, hot-headed Hotspur, the irrepressible soldier who can barely control his temper, and for whom fighting is almost a way of life – even his vivacious wife (Lorna Stuart) comes a very poor second in his affections. Jamie Parker is Prince Hal, the toff who fools around with the scoundrels at the tavern for amusement, but who nevertheless harbours a desire for power, and is able to drop is low-life friends when he eventually becomes king. And Oliver Cotton is the authoritative King Henry who, in spite of failing health, manages to beat off his foes and eventually achieve reconciliation with his eldest son and successor.