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Latest items? Unedited? Fringe Report Uncut
Henry IV Part I
Verdict: Struggle for national control
London – Forty Hall, Enfield – 19-31 July 05
William Shakespeare’s Henry IV, Part One details the struggle of King Henry IV to maintain his control of the English throne which he usurped from Richard II’ (summary courtesy of www. principal-theatre.org.uk). ‘One of his commanders, Mortimer, has lost a battle to Glyndwr in Wales. However, another commander, Hotspur, has succeeded in defeating Douglas in Scotland , but refuses to send his prisoners back to the king.’
Principal Theatre Company’s open-air production is theatre-in-the-round. The staging ensures a raw, rich, al fresco show. Action takes place literally in the audience’s face, with the swish of swords and the smell of Sir John Falstaff's rancid breath. The excellent acting can be enjoyed at close quarters, without a smoke-screen of theatrical effects and gimmickry – like live theatre in writer William Shakespeare's day.
Henry IV lets all classes have their say - from the drunken Eastcheap knave to the dreary Westminster politician. It’s ambitious in scope, travelling across the country and London at breakneck speed.
Director Christopher Geelan introduces the varied chorus of voices in an uplifting coup de theatre. Sir John Falstaff leads the commoners in a belting chorus of Hail to the King. The King and his sons respond in song. The appeal of the boisterous, laughing, can-can-dancing low-lifes is immediate. It’s not long before Prince Hal, the King's son, crosses the divide to join Falstaff, his surrogate father.
Paul Gladwin’s Falstaff is a wonderfully entertaining drunk. He wears a shabby overcoat and battered hat - the modern costumes are the only gimmicks. He’s a spluttering, guffawing, staggering Jimmy Tarbuck dressed as a tramp. Falstaff’s great scene in the Boar's Head as he lies through his rotting teeth about the Gad's Hill incident - becomes a riotous farce. Paul Gladwin plays many parts, before revealing the fragile core of Falstaff’s being - as Prince Hal hints of his impending rejection.
Director Christopher Geelan delights in creating an ensemble of individuals to suggest the teeming, bustling life of medieval England. Elliot Young as Prince Hal and Alex Hutchinson as his great rival, the sneering Hotspur, offer clear, invigorating portraits of two young men seizing the day.
Cast Credits: Poins/Feeble - Harry Attwell. Lord Westmoreland - Jonathan Baker. Archbishop of York - Gerard Canning. Lord Northumberland/Silence Justice - John Cooper-Day. Blunt/Francis/Clarence/Shadow/Fang - Chris Davis. Owen Glendower/Lord Chief Justice - Keith Ducklin. Peto/Rumour - Ozzie Gardner. Doll Tearsheet - Victoria George. Sir John Falstaff - Paul Gladwin. Lady Mortimer - Rhian Gwyn. Prince John - Damian Christian Howard. Hostpur/Pistol - Alex Hutchinson. Mistress Quickly - Sarah Knight. Sheriff/Lord Douglas/Lord Mowbray/Wart - Alec Law. King Henry IV - Robert Maskell. Bardolph - Dean Michael-Julian. Lord Mortimer/Lord Hastings/Mouldy - Nick Murphy. Lady Percy - Lucy Randall. Davy/Clergyman/Messenger - George Sallis. Gadshill/Lord Vernon/Bullcalf/Snare/Gloucester - Matt Stubbs. Lord Worcester/Shallow Justice - Russell Wootton. Prince Hal - Elliot Young. Falstaff's Army (alpha order) – Lucy Blatch, Sean D'Cruz, Madeleine Murphy, Styliana Pastalis, Matthew Smith.
Company Credits: Writer - William Shakespeare. Director - Christopher Geelan. Assistant Directors - Maggie Edwards & Lucy Randall. Composer & Musical Director - Jenny Gould. Fight Director - Keith Ducklin. Costumes - Lorna Clayton. Voice Coach - Susan Beresford. Company Manager - Rachel Holt. Deputy Stage Manager - Janie Morris. Assistant Stage Manager - Talia Scholar. Marketing Assistant - George Sallis. Producers - Paul Gladwin & Sarah Knight.
END
(c) Jonathan Lovett 2005
Note - Henry IV Part I and Henry IV Part II run as separate shows in the open air– see schedule and weather information at www.principal-theatre.org.uk
reviewed Forty Hall, Enfield / July 05
Fringe Report (c) Fringe Report 2002-2012
www.fringereport.com
