Review Henry V at the Royal Exchange 5th September to 20th October

The Royal Exchange's Henry V is perfectly pitched for a modern audience...

"I am afeard there are few die well that die in a battle; for how can they charitably dispose of any thing when blood is their argument?"

Surrounded by a court with its own agenda and faced with a country that has little faith in him, the newly-crowed Henry decides to lead his people into war against France. Shakespeare's play has variously been seen as both anti-war and propaganda tool throughout the ages. Perhaps the most famous production was with Lawrence Olivier as king in a production that became a rallying cry for the British during WW2.

Eliot Cowan clearly has big shoes to fill in taking on the role of Henry - but he fills them well. If during the WW2 Henry was a strong and fearless leader, Cowan presents an altogether more human king. He is certainly rousing as he leads his troops into battle but his moments of self-doubt and vulnerability are his strongest, allowing us to glimpse past the jingoist leader to the vulnerable young man inside.

Under Jonathan Munby's skillful direction, the ebullient Chorus (Gerard Murphy) is revealed as the patriotic voice of our glorious history,  while between his interjections we see soldiers in battle fatigues wading through trenches and getting soaked by the rain.

There are place where the play suffers - the scenes between Pistol, Nym and Bardolph don't provide the relief that is needed in certain places and at times the delivery of Shakespeare's language flounders in the hands of some of the ensemble cast.

However, overall this is a bold, sensitive and very successful production that will resonate strongly with an audience still dealing with the aftermath of the Iraq war.

Henry V at the Royal Exchange Theatre

5th September to 20th October.

£8.50 - £28

£4 tickets available Mondays for people under 25.

Box Office: 0161 833 9833