Review: PLAYER KINGS, Noel Coward Theatre

Photo credit: Manuel Harlan

There are elements that will draw people to Player Kings (Shakespeare’s Henry IV Parts 1 and 2 mashed together, adapted and directed by Robert Icke), including, undoubtedly, the stellar cast, led by the incomparable Sir Ian McKellen as Falstaff, along with Toheeb Jimoh as Prince Hal and Richard Coyle as Henry IV. Then there are elements that might keep people away, or at least a little wary – this is two plays knitted together, making the entire show a touch under four hours long.

That splicing together is the main issue with Player Kings – it’s a mismatched play that excels in the first act and falls slightly flat in the second. That’s not to say it’s not an entertaining watch, but there is so much good in the first two-hour act that the second seems almost unnecessary (although you do get more McKellen on stage, so for some it will be worth it just for that).

Player Kings deals with the story of Henry IV’s rather dubious ascension to the throne of England in 1399, the rebels who want to depose him, and his wayward son, Hal, the Prince of Wales, who spends his time committing petty crimes and generally misbehaving with a gang of thieves and ne’er-do-wells, including Sir John Falstaff himself. There are battles and fights and blood and politicking and bad behaviour on every side, and there is also plenty of comedy and even a little pathos. So in this lesser-known Shakespeare play, the audience is treated to a little bit of everything – in Icke’s play, they’re treated to it twice.

Hildegard Bechtler’s set design is bleak and bare and works perfectly in the modern-day setting of the play. Screens rise and fall, often with handy information splashed across them, letting the audience know when and where they are and what’s happening, and curtains are variously dragged across the stage by the actors, behind which props and performers appear and disappear like a magic trick.

There are some fantastic music choices in Player Kings as well, from deep and booming drum and bass to a countertenor (Henry Jenkinson) whose beautiful voice is ghostly and unnerving as he walks through battlefields or watches the action from afar.

Player Kings showcases acting at its finest – Jimoh is exceptional as Hal, who’s charismatic, charming, and funny, but who hides a deep-rooted fear of his duties underneath all the swagger. Claire Perkins as Mistress Quickly is a bawdy, brutal woman with a heart of gold – almost a caricature, but she manages to stay just on the right side of a very fine line. Samuel Edward-Cook plays Hotspur, the main antagonist, and thanks to his careful portrayal, it's easy for the audience to side with him over King Henry.

However, it’s McKellen as Falstaff who truly steals the show, and the scenes with him in brim with energy and humour – his comic timing is superb. Falstaff is not a pleasant man; he’s grubby, lecherous, cowardly, conniving, and McKellen manages to give him a rather nasty phlegmy tone to his voice which is fairly foul, and yet despite all that, we found we rooted for him. Yes, he claims others’ victories as his own, yes, he’s always looking out for number one, and yes, he could probably do with a hot bath and someone to do his laundry, but nonetheless, there’s something compelling about the way McKellen plays him that you simply can’t help but enjoy. And when he finally gets his comeuppance and Hal denies him, you might even shed a tear or two.

Player Kings is perhaps a feat of endurance for both actors and audience alike, but in the end, it’s one that’s worth it to see that much talent on stage at once.

*** Three stars

Reviewed by: Lisamarie Lamb

Player Kings runs at the Noel Coward Theatre until 22 June before touring. To book tickets, please click here.