Henry 5 is a character of many guises and interpretation but Marion Pott’s skilful direction has rendered him with clarity, and it is not all flattering.
In this abridge version of the play, Henry has just taken the crown and his thoughts quickly turn to invading France, of which he believes that he is the rightful king.
Just before embarking for France, he uncovers a plot by a group noblemen to assassinate him. This is quickly dealt with as he orders their executions.
In an attempt to stave off the invasion King Charles of France offers him his daughter Katherine’s hand in marriage, which Henry refuses, taking the town of Harfleur as a gesture of defiance.
At the French court Katherine is making a comical attempt to learn English with her maid Alice, while on the battlefield the English forces have been bogged down with bad weather and disease. This gives Dauphin time to amass a large force, which he is convinced will take care of the English.
In the face of the overwhelming odds, Henry finds the strength and oratory powers to rally his troops for one last battle. To everyone’s surprise, the English win the Battle of Agincourt and Henry’s demands at the French court are met and he takes the hand of Katherine.
Henry’s character has evolved from one of dissolution but he quickly assumes the mantle of absolute power, which at first he wields unevenly, and later with a bloodlust that would now have him declared a war criminal.
Through the play Henry delivers two powerful speeches, with the first “Once more into the breach” – now regarded as one of Shakespeare’s best, while the St Crispin’s Day speech is delivered during tense moments in the Battle of Agincourt.
Marion Potts makes a welcome return to directing after spending a few years in arts administration, and this production proves that she has lost none of her chops.
The trimming of characters and scenes makes for a taunt rendering of the play that is equally supported by a skilled creative team. This includes Anna Tregloan’s ingenious set of bare stage traversed by a trapezoid structure that is particularly powerful in the scene where it becomes part of the battle scene. Her costumes are minimal with a few flourishes to denote rank.
Sound and music are an important element of this production well delivered by Jethro Woodward, as Verity Hampson’s lighting compliments.
The stage is often miked to amplify action such as the marching of the troops, while five characters use microphones to deliver speeches. Nigel Poulton has honed the male cast members to a fighting fitness that adds authenticity.
This production uses native French speakers to deriver their lines in language that adds a dimension of authenticity. Of the eleven cast members, seven are debuting at Bell Shakespeare and present a wealth of talent for this and future productions.
Recent NIDA graduate JK Kazzi’s Henry 5 has the youthful good looks and is believable across his character’s emotional and intellectual arc.
Jack Halabi as Dauphin is a foil to Henry as he offers peace through ransom and later is his battlefield opponent. Alex Kirwan is perfectly cast as Henry’s loyal cousin Westmoreland, as is Ella Prince as Henry’s uncle and advisor Exeter.
Jo Turner is another strong figure as the King of France/Canterbury/French Soldier as are Mararo Wangai as Montjoy, Harrison Mills as Scroop and Rishab Kern as Grey.
It is the banter on the English language between Odile Le Clézio’s character of Alice, maid to Ava Madon’s Katherine, that provides light to a lot of Henry 5’s darker moments.
This Bell Shakespeare production is a dynamic and wonderfully presented version of Henry 5 that engages with great acting and staging while never underplaying the violence.
Henry 5
Playhouse – Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point, Sydney
Performance: Wednesday 5 March 2025
Season continues to 5 April 2025
Bookings: www.sydneyoperahouse.com
Following the Sydney season, Henry 5 will be presented at the Playhouse – Canberra Theatre Centre from 10 April, Illawarra Performing Arts Centre, Wollongong from 30 April, and the Fairfax Studio – Arts Centre Melbourne from 11 May 2025. For more information, visit: www.bellshakespeare.com.au for details.
Images: JK Kazzi in Henry 5 – photo by Brett Boardman | Mararo Wangai, Jack Halabi and Jo Turner in Henry 5 – photo by Brett Boardman | Odile Le Clézio, Mararo Wangai, Ella Prince, Rishab Kern, Harrison Mills, Jack Halabi and Alex Kirwan in Henry 5 – photo by Brett Boardman
Review: John Moyle