Barbican Theatre, London
4 – 22 November 1997

• King Henry V – Michael Sheen
• The Duke of Bedford, the King’s brother – Jon Fenner
• The Duke of Gloucester, the King’s brother – Steven Atholl
• The Duke of Exeter, the King’s uncle – Nicholas Day
• The Earl of Westmoreland – Stephen Bent
• The Archbishop of Canterbury – Norman Rodway
• The Bishop of Ely – Alan David
• King Charles VI – Geoffrey Whitehead
• The Dauphin – Tristan Gemmill
• The Constable of France – Benny Young
• The Duke of Orleans – Nicholas Boulton
• Princess Katherine – Karine Adrover
• Alice, a gentlewoman – Dona Croll

• Palace Theatre (Manchester), September 30 to October 4, 1997
• Marlowe Theatre (Canterbury), October 14-18, 1997
• Theatre Royal (Norwich), October 21-25, 1997
• Alhambra Theatre (Bradford), October 28 to November 1, 1997
• Theatre Royal (Glasgow), November 25-29, 1997
• Theatre Royal (Bath), December 2-6, 1997
• New Victoria Theatre (Woking), December 9-13, 1997

The early scenes deal with Henry’s fleet leaving for France, including a real-life incident where the Earl of Cambridge plotted with two others to assassinate Henry at Southampton. Henry’s uncovers the plot, however, and his ruthless treatment of the plotters is an indication that he has changed.

At the siege of Harfleur, Henry delivers one of Shakespeare’s best speeches, beginning with: “Once more unto the breach, dear friends…”

Victory looks uncertain before the Battle of Agincourt, and the young king’s heroic character is shown by his decision to wander disguised around the English camp at night so as to comfort his soldiers and find out what they really think of him. Before the battle, Henry rallies his troops with the famous speech:

“We few, we happy few, we band of brothers;
For he to-day that sheds his blood with me
Shall be my brother; be he ne’er so vile,
This day shall gentle his condition:
And gentlemen in England now a-bed
Shall think themselves accursed they were not here,
And hold their manhoods cheap whiles any speaks
That fought with us upon Saint Crispin’s day.”

Following the victory at Agincourt, Henry attempts to woo the French princess, Catherine of Valois. The action ends with the French king adopting Henry as his heir to the French throne and the prayer of the French queen “that English may as French, French Englishmen, receive each other, God speak this Amen.”

• no reviews added yet

• 1997: Ian Charleson Award nominated

• Wikipedia

Find more in the Gallery