Henry V [4] - {{ productInfo[0].CHARACTER }}

“The Bishop of Ely and the Archbishop of Canterbury discuss the new king. While he was a prince, 'Hal' was known for his drinking and wild behaviour. But since his father's recent death Hal has surprised everyone. He is serious about his duty and country. He is now King Henry the Fifth. And England is in a troubled state. Henry asks the advice of the Archbishop of Canterbury. Recently Henry has asked France for some of his dukedoms to be returned. But should he be asking for the whole of France to be his by birthright? Canterbury encourages him to make that claim. A French messenger, Montjoy, arrives with a message from the Dauphin who is the heir to the French throne. The French prince has also sent a 'tun of treasure'. The message is that Henry is too young to dabble in battle. The treasure turns out to be tennis balls. Suggesting that Henry is better suited to a tennis court than a battlefield. Henry declares war on France. The Boar's Head tavern is the regular drinking place for Lieutenant Bardolph and Corporal Nym. They are expert drinkers and thieves. They talk of Ancient Pistol who Nym is furious with. Pistol has married Nell Quickly who was previously engaged to Nym. Pistol arrives and he and Nym have a spat. But Mistress Quickly interrupts with news of their old friend Falstaff. He was a hell-raiser and friend to the king. Falstaff is dying now but Henry no longer acknowledges him. Nym tells Nell Quickly to 'shog off' but a boy enters and tells them that Falstaff is fading fast. In Southampton, King Henry deals with three traitors. They are his old friend Lord Scroop, Sir Thomas Grey and the Earl of Cambridge. They have been in the secret service of the French and have plotted to murder Henry. They beg for mercy but their king has them executed. Mistress Quickly tells of Falstaff's last moments and how he will surely go to heaven despite all his faults. Pistol, Nym, Bardolph and the Boy prepare for France and Pistol says goodbye to his wife. Henry and his fleet prepare to sail. Once in France they advance through the country. They gain victories against all expectations. ” - Rebecca Lenkiewicz, The Royal Shakespeare Companysee less

“The Bishop of Ely and the Archbishop of Canterbury discuss the new king. While he was a prince, 'Hal' was known for his drinking and wild behaviour. But since his father's recent death Hal has surprised everyone. He is serious about his duty and country. He is now King Henry the Fifth. And England is in a troubled state. Henry asks the advice of the Archbishop of...see more