Henry V at Sam Wanamaker Playhouse

There is plenty of room for play in Shakespeare’s politically charged Henry V. Dramaturg Cordelia Lynn and director Holly Race Roughan make the most of this in the Globe’s latest production of the play by extracting the topics that most resonate with a modern audience in the current climate of global instability.

The story begins with the passage of the throne from King Henry IV to his son Henry V. Known for his wayward ways, the young heir takes his late father’s advice to claim France as his, using his most persuasive words to convince his men that this is a war worth fighting, determined to succeed but aware of the unfavourable odds. Although outnumbered, the English army manages to cause havoc and achieve far more than expected. Henry finally seals his conquest of France by asking for the hand of Katherine, daughter of the French king. 

The play is widely known for its nationalistic outlook. The patriotic reading of Henry V was further cemented by Laurence Olivier’s 1944 film adaptation, which had Churchill’s and the government’s backing, as they believed it could provide encouragement for the troops during World War II. This production by the Globe considers a broader view: it focuses on the problematic aspects of forming an empire, and what Englishness can mean to those involved in the battle. A Welsh soldier, a French princess, or even ordinary English citizens belonging to lower classes find themselves questioning the king’s vision. The ending catapults the audience into modern-day England, with Lynn likening King Henry’s domineering approach towards foreigners to the present day bureaucratic procedures awaiting those entering the UK.

The candlelit playhouse is always charming, but the set design of choice is bare and the costumes are modern casual, which adds nothing to the atmosphere. The aim is perhaps to avoid drawing attention to the aesthetics at all and redirect the eye to the action itself. This doesn’t work when action lags a little in the first half, but the second part picks up pace and is far more engaging.  

A common flaw with Shakespearean productions is the inauthentic delivery of some of the speeches, which are recited rather than felt, and this sometimes happens here. Although imperfect, this version of Henry V is an interesting retelling offering many moments of excitement and intensity. 

Mersa Auda

Henry V is at Sam Wanamaker Playhouse from 26^th November until 4^th February 2023. For further information or to book visit the theatre’s website here.