Shakespeare's historical plays have as much interest value as his comedies and tragedies and should be known more, 'Richard III' being the best known of them perhaps namely for the title character. Written in two parts, 'Henry IV Part I' (actually both parts) is definitely no exception to that and mixes comedy and drama expertly. Of the two parts, talking about the plays and not quite yet the production, there is a slight personal preference for the richer second part.
This Shakespeare Globe production is terrific in so many ways and overall. So is the even better Part 2. While the 'The Hollow Crown' adaptation is my personal favourite production available (the same applies for Part 2 as well), this production is one of the better ones seen personally. Primarily because of the performance of Falstaff and how well it captures the spirit of the play and balances so well the different elements. Of the filmed Globe productions from 2010-present, this and Part 2 are among the standout productions.
Hard to know where to begin with the praise. A good starting point would be Roger Allam's truly magnificent Falstaff, he has seldom been funnier and he balances that with touching poignancy later on brilliantly. Jamie Parker has great charisma, suitable youthfulness and an endearing swagger as Prince Hal. Their relationship is the most crucial one to get right and it is nailed here. It is easy to overlook the titular character (Henry IV), with his role in the play not being as big as the title implies (the biggest role is actually Falstaff), but Oliver Cotton is suitably anguished. Sam Crane is very good as Hotspur.
Production values are both atmospheric and beautifully detailed. Really liked the intimacy of the photography, which makes one feel like they are there while not trying to do too much, while the audience interaction is fun. The staging is very absorbing and energetic, which is also faithful and in good taste. It was nice to see more emphasis on the comedy, as both parts of 'Henry IV' can risk being overly serious (especially Part 2), which is not over-played. Falstaff is riotously funny without mugging. The drama is moving and human and the political elements aren't laid on too thick.
Did think that Henry's dressing down of Hal is nowhere near as powerful as it was in the adaptation for 'The Hollow Crown' (no other production has done that scene better than that), which had more tension.
Maybe it is a bit of a slow starter, but it is also true of the play.
Great production on the whole. 9/10.
This Shakespeare Globe production is terrific in so many ways and overall. So is the even better Part 2. While the 'The Hollow Crown' adaptation is my personal favourite production available (the same applies for Part 2 as well), this production is one of the better ones seen personally. Primarily because of the performance of Falstaff and how well it captures the spirit of the play and balances so well the different elements. Of the filmed Globe productions from 2010-present, this and Part 2 are among the standout productions.
Hard to know where to begin with the praise. A good starting point would be Roger Allam's truly magnificent Falstaff, he has seldom been funnier and he balances that with touching poignancy later on brilliantly. Jamie Parker has great charisma, suitable youthfulness and an endearing swagger as Prince Hal. Their relationship is the most crucial one to get right and it is nailed here. It is easy to overlook the titular character (Henry IV), with his role in the play not being as big as the title implies (the biggest role is actually Falstaff), but Oliver Cotton is suitably anguished. Sam Crane is very good as Hotspur.
Production values are both atmospheric and beautifully detailed. Really liked the intimacy of the photography, which makes one feel like they are there while not trying to do too much, while the audience interaction is fun. The staging is very absorbing and energetic, which is also faithful and in good taste. It was nice to see more emphasis on the comedy, as both parts of 'Henry IV' can risk being overly serious (especially Part 2), which is not over-played. Falstaff is riotously funny without mugging. The drama is moving and human and the political elements aren't laid on too thick.
Did think that Henry's dressing down of Hal is nowhere near as powerful as it was in the adaptation for 'The Hollow Crown' (no other production has done that scene better than that), which had more tension.
Maybe it is a bit of a slow starter, but it is also true of the play.
Great production on the whole. 9/10.
