Why See Player Kings?
Sir Ian returns
Sir Ian McKellen once more proves that age is no barrier to the stage as he returns to tread the boards in this new play adapted and directed by Robert Icke. A reimagining of William Shakespeare's Henry VI Parts I and II that distills the two plays into one, McKellen will once again take on the Bard's work as Sir John Falstaff, friend of young Hal and partner in mischief.
Speaking on this new venture, McKellen reminisced: "I decided to become a professional actor at Cambridge in 1959, when I was in John Barton's undergraduate production of Henry IV. Derek Jacobi played Prince Hal and I was the ancient Justice Shallow. Ever since, the plays have been among my favourite Shakespeares, although through the years I've resisted offers to play John Falstaff. Robert Icke's ingenious adaptation was irresistible."
At the sprightly age of 84, McKellen remains a stage stalwart, most recently delighting audiences alongside Roger Allam in the two-hander Frank and Percy.
Who is Falstaff?
A presence in three of Shakespeare's plays, Sir John Falstaff is depicted as a rotund, jolly presence for whom mischief comes easily. Be it leading the young prince astray in Henry VI, or wooing women with various scams, his schemes and outlook make him an audience favourite whenever he appears.
Additional Information
Dates
Opening night: 1 April 2024
MASKS
You may be required to wear a mask during this performance. Please contact the venue directly for more information.
Cast and Creative
Cast
Ian McKellen as John Falstaff
Toheeb Jimoh as Hal
Richard Coyle as King Henry IV
Raphael Akuwudike as Prince John/Second Drawer
Sara Beharrell as Hotspur’s Servant/Snare/Davy
Samuel Edward-Cook as Hotspur/Pistol
Geoffrey Freshwater as Bardolph
James Garnon as Worcester/Silence
Alice Hayes as Messenger/Carrier
Henry Jenkinson as Harcourt
Nigel Lister as Northumberland/Francis
Annette McLaughlin as Warwick
Mark Monero as Peto
Hywel Morgan as Sir Walter Blunt
Joseph Mydell as Lord Chief Justice
Clare Perkins as Mistress Quickly
Daniel Rabin as Poins
David Semark as Vernon
David Shelley as Sheriff/Surrey
Robin Soans as Shallow
Tafline Steen as Tearsheet/Lady Percy
Perry Williams as Page/Douglas/Thomas
Creative
Adapted and directed by Robert Icke
Design by Hildegard Bechtler
Lighting by Lee Curran
Sound by Gareth Fry
Casting by Julia Horan
Fighting design by Kev McCurdy
What you thought
23 reviews, average rating: (3.4 Stars)
Patrivia Beales: “first time Shakespeare”
This is the first time I have seen Shakespeare performed live and wow does... more
The sets, the cast, the way the story weaves together, brilliant! .. wasn't... more
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