A THRILLING AND ACTION-PACKED CLASSIC

In this third part of Shakespeare's Henry IV trilogy, violence and blood rain down upon the players amidst a bloody power struggle between the King's party, led by the fearsome Queen Margaret, and the Yorkists, led first by Richard, then his sons Edward and the infamous Richard of Gloucester. Bold characterization, black comedy, rhetorical power and touching pathos combine in this production, calling to mind a savage time where the lust for power superseded ideology.

Set in the round at Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, the production's authenticity is not only reflected in its setting but in the use of period costume and staging. This mindfulness of historical accuracy provides a strong base for what is often seen as a difficult play to stage, what with the different warring factions and multitude of characters - director Nick Bagnall deftly overcomes the confusion of battle with visual clarity and subtlety.

WHAT IS IT ABOUT?

Having witnessed the first battle in the War of the Roses, the plaintive King Henry advocates peace and tries to avoid bloodshed at all costs, including disinheriting his own son in favor of the Yorks. The Lancastrians, horrified at this supposed weakness, will fight to keep Henry in power. The resulting bloodshed and brutality grimly contrasts the King's pacifism and as the tide of war turns, loyalties shift and many will die?