Royal Shakespeare Company Artistic Director Gregory Doran and the creative team that brought you the acclaimed production of Richard II, continue their exploration of William Shakespeare's History plays at the Barbican with Henry IV Parts I & II, an epic, comic and thrilling vision of a nation in turmoil.
RSC Associate Artist Antony Sher returns to the Company to play the infamous comic knight Falstaff. He is joined by Jasper Britton (2003's The Taming of the Shrew/The Tamer Tamed) as Henry IV and Alex Hassell (2011's A Midsummer Night's Dream, Cardenio and The City Madam) as Prince Hal.
King Henry's health is failing as a second rebellion threatens to surface. Intent on securing his legacy, he is uncertain that Hal is a worthy heir, believing him more concerned with earthly pleasures than the responsibility of rule. Meanwhile, Falstaff is sent to the countryside to recruit fresh troops.
Amongst the unwitting locals, opportunities for embezzlement and profiteering prove impossible to resist as Falstaff gleefully indulges in the business of lining his own pockets. As the King's health continues to worsen, Hal must choose between duty and loyalty to an old friend in Shakespeare's heartbreaking conclusion to this pair of plays.
The Royal Shakespeare Company return to the Barbican with a residency that will culminate in January 2016 with a major theatrical event to mark the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare's death: King And Country: Shakespeare's Great Cycle of Kings - a complete 4-play season cycle of Richard II, Henry IV Parts I & II and Henry V in repertoire.
At the Barbican from 14 December 2015 until 29 December 2015, book your Henry IV Part II tickets today!
Please click here for Henry IV Part I tickets at the Barbican.
Please click here for Henry V tickets at the Barbican.