TREAD the Boards theatre company are currently performing ‘Henry V’ in repertory with ‘The Tempest’ at their Attic Theatre home in Cox’s Yard Stratford upon Avon, just a stone’s throw across the bridge from their illustrious neighbour, the RSC.
Directed by the huge talent that is John Robert Partridge, this production reaches an audience of all ages – a completely accessible, sumptuous piece of theatre, superbly played by a high energy company.
Picture by Laura Maguire Photography. s
Henry V is Shakespeare’s most famous ‘war’ play concerning the adventures of novice Prince Hal after taking over the crown from his dead father. There is intrigue and skullduggery galore leading up to the famous battle of Agincourt. That’s the one where the young King calls upon his vastly outnumbered troops to fight the French with his ‘Cry God for Harry, England and Saint George!’ rallying call.
George Ormerod is quite extraordinary as Henry – there are times when you can literally read his thoughts. His soft, rich voice convinces utterly, I’d fight for him! It is a performance to savour from an actor worth following.
In addition to directing, Partridge also plays quite a catalogue of roles from Chorus, our story narrator plus Fluellen, a cynical Welsh soldier, the plotting Cambridge plus the weary King of France. Each characterisation performed to absolute perfection with a glorious tugging of our emotions from a master of the craft.
Picture by Laura Maguire Photography. s
Jasmine Arden-Brown engages as the French Princess Katherine and the scenes between her and her maid Alice (played by Emmerline Braefield) when she learning English are delightfully funny.
The rest of the talented cast work tirelessly in role doubling – and trebling -which involves constant costume changes from a simply stunning wardrobe.
Designers Adam Clarke and Hattie Human have dressed the acting space in glorious swathes of flags and pennants with a centrepiece throne of wood to rival the infamous one of swords.
Kat Murray’s soundscape matches the mood from menace to triumph with perfect battle sounds – her lighting design is equally effective.
Picture by Laura Maguire Photography. s
The pace of the production is perfect with lots of humour along with full on steel-on-steel fighting to passionate speeches which suck you right in. The intimacy of The Attic acting space makes for a unique and immersive audience experience.
This Henry V from the finest fringe company I know is a triumph in every way – it’s an Easter treat for all the family – and a word to the wise, I noticed kids get to eat for a pound in the riverside pub downstairs.
Forget Harry Potter – feast your eyes and ears and go into the breach, dear friends, with Historical Harry.
Henry V runs at Attic Theatre, Cox’s Yard, Stratford, runs until next Sunday, April 27. Click here for times, tickets and more information,
