A complex king: Jude Law as Henry V in yet another collaboration with Michael Grandage. Photo by Johan Persson.
Play: Henry V
Theatre: Noel Coward Theatre
Playwright: William Shakespeare
Director: Michael Grandage
Review by Natalie Gormally
Henry V is the final instalment of Michael Grandage’s five-show West End run. His ambitious season has been crammed with big names and, coupled with a limited number of £10 theatre tickets, has reached a new generation of theatregoers.
For this production, Grandage reunites with film star Jude Law, continuing a collaboration that began with Hamlet in 2009. Law’s Henry V is charismatic and intelligent. Eager to prove his worth as king, he seeks counsel over his claim to the French throne, appearing genuinely concerned about the inevitable bloodshed war brings. This considered and conscientious side is only one part of our complex king, and thinly masks a deep rage that is unleashed throughout the play.
Shakespeare was ambivalent in his presentation of Henry V – celebrating heroism and patriotism, exposing conflict and humanity and conveying the brutality and legality of war. Law’s intricate portrayal of Henry V excellently draws on these contradictions in a handsomely layered performance.
He is cold and menacing when he announces to the citizens of Harfleur that they must surrender or his soldiers will defile their daughters and impale their babies on spikes. Yet he is passionate and uplifting in his battle of Agincourt speech. He is utterly ruthless as he lays down his disreputable command that “every man should kill his prisoner” to stop the French re-grouping. Yet his flirtatious wooing of Princess Catherine (a captivating Jessie Buckley) shows a king full of charm and humour.
Law is the obvious draw to this production. His Henry V is full of potency, but with such a strong ensemble cast he by no means carries the show. Chorus, played by the energetic and talented Ashley Zhangazha, stands out. Also playing the servile Boy, Zhangazha confidently displays the reality of the brutal situation against the glossy propaganda.
Ron Cook’s pint sized Pistol is hilariously outrageous, which at times is needed with such a heavy and intense narrative. Matt Ryan is also entertaining as Welshman Fluellen and Ben Lloyd-Hughes (Dauphin) gives a strong performance.
Christopher Oram’s set, centred around a simple wooden stockade, gives a subtle nod to the Globe Theatre. Neil Austin’s lighting is exceptional, creating dynamic movement and a sense of space, with cinematic appeal, particularly during the eve-of-Agincourt scene, which is accompanied by an open sky and “watchful fires”.
Henry V was always going to be a difficult show to bring to the West End but Grandage has kept the production traditional and efficient. Some may wonder why he didn’t bring a topical and contemporary focus to the production, but this play is about Henry V as a king of his time.
Enjoyable, entertaining and absorbing, Henry V is simply a must see production.
Henry V is at the Noel Coward Theatre until 15 February 2014.