HENRY IV PARTS 1 and 2
Scotsman, August 1993
Calton Centre/Theatre Zoo
TWO of Shakespeare’s history plays have
been cut down to less than two hours,
and that includes the opening scenes
taken from Richard II. The result is an
entirely coherent narrative, lucidly
telling the story of Henry IV’s betrayal
of those who helped him to the throne,
and of his son’s development from
delinquent to responsible ruler.
Particularly good is Darrell Brockis’s
vivacious Hal. David Cappin gives Henry |
 |
a convincing ambivalence and Hugh Greenway’s
Falstaff is confidently robust, and there
is a simple but effective representation of
the struggle between Hostpur and Hal.
The pace is fast and the characterisation
strong. The director, Rob Curry, has
incorporated some clever devices to
maintain the flow of the action, such as
merging Falstaff and Hal’s rehearsal for
the latter’s interview with his father into
the real thing. The end result is exciting
and stimulating.
Colin Affleck |
