Review: HENRY V, Donmar Warehouse
Photo credit: Helen Murray
The Donmar Warehouse is once again on top form with its brand new production of Henry V, which burns with an epic intensity that is sure to keep you gripped from start to finish.
When it comes to performing Shakespeare within a modern context, it can occasionally be difficult to keep the audience engaged; the plays are often incredibly long and the old English language can be difficult to connect with for some. This couldn't be more far from the truth with this production. Director Max Webster has crafted a brutalist modern take on this tale of war that, if Shakespeare's name was not on the programme, you'd be forgiven for thinking was written just this year.
The phrase "Life imitates art" comes to mind many times whilst watching this piece. Not long after the show started previews in February, the world's situation became much darker, with details of this play echoing out into the international consciousness. While we appreciate this is coincidental, it ensures that the drama explodes onto the Donmar stage ever more fiercely. Everyone in the room is aware of their leaders, now more than ever and everyone is questioning them now more than ever. And a King who is shown to be both charismatic and utterly ruthless is as representative of many real figures as you can get. You can draw your own conclusions...
The staging of this production is utterly unique and exciting. Those of you who have been to the Donmar Warehouse will know that the theatre is small. You are never more than four rows away from the performance, allowing the material to attack and confront you, staring into the eyes of actors as the story plays out. The scale of this piece is truly brilliant. The way designer Fly Davis has used the space is nothing short of ingenious, with the upstage wall opening to reveal an oppressive English cross that burns into the eyes of the audience as the cast engage in combat, thanks to intense lighting design by Lee Curran. Paired with the epic string based underscore (Carolyn Downing), reminiscent of the great epic films gone by, it truly sets the stage for an excellent night of critical drama.
As the titular Henry V, Kit Harington is excellent. It is clear to see the many layers to his character's leadership; the way he uses his emotions cleverly and with purpose to rally his troops to war with the classic line "Once more unto the breach". The choice to include a scene from the end of Henry IV at the beginning of the play also adds much more context to what takes place within this show.
The surrounding cast are all incredibly talented and diverse, it's a joy to see! Stand outs include the cool, calm and collected Jude Akuwudike as King Of France/Canterbury/Erpingham, Danny Kirrane as comedic relief Pistol/Westmoreland and the energetic Millicent Wong as Chorus/Boy, inviting us to suspend our disbelief and truly cementing this production in the theatre, making the most of its form.
Due to the nature of the venue, it is an honour and privilege to have seen this epic piece of theatre, and though it may be almost sold out by now, there is an upcoming cinema broadcast of this work which we absolutely recommend attending. Do not miss out on this, Besties!
***** Five stars
Reviewed by: Callum Wallace
Henry V plays at Donmar Warehouse until 9 April, with more information available here.
