RSC's Henry V: A Solid Yet Cautious Take on Shakespeare's War Play
The Royal Shakespeare Company's latest production of Henry V, directed by co-artistic director Tamara Harvey, presents a well-acted and traditionally staged interpretation that, while engaging, never fully delivers the powerful punch expected from Shakespeare's iconic war drama. Starring Alfred Enoch in the titular role, this rendition explores themes of nationalism, ambition, and the morality of war, yet often feels restrained in its critique.
Alfred Enoch's Genial Henry V
Alfred Enoch portrays a genial and affable young king, capturing Henry's transformation from a playful heir to a determined monarch. The production opens with a flashback to Henry IV, Part 2, highlighting the ambition instilled in Henry by his ailing father, played by Valentine Hanson. Enoch's performance is marked by a limber playfulness early on, remnants of his wild days with Falstaff, which he skillfully channels into the rousing "once more unto the breach" speech and the Saint Crispin's Day rallying call.
Despite his character's evolution into a ruthless warrior king—evident when he orders the execution of French prisoners—Enoch maintains an earnest and likable demeanor. This creates a compelling tension, as he convincingly portrays Henry as a "Christian king" rather than a tyrant, even in moments of coercion, such as his awkward wooing of Katharine, played by Natalie Kimmerling.
Staging and Design
Lucy Osborne's set design features a striking scaffold structure that effectively evokes the battlefield, enhanced by Annie-Lunnette Deakin-Foster's movement direction and Jamie Salisbury's pumping compositions. The ensemble cast adeptly represents both English and French armies, emphasizing death as a devastating leveller and subtly questioning the notion of victory in war.
However, the production's traditional period dress and cautious approach prevent it from fully resonating with contemporary parallels, such as modern conflicts waged in the name of moral righteousness. While the play's rhetoric of war is well-rendered, the most visceral moments lack the emotional impact needed to drive home its critical themes.
Satirical Elements and Missed Opportunities
The comedic characters, including the Hostess (Catrin Aaron) and Pistol (Paul Hunter), provide moments of levity and satire, with Hunter's physical clowning standing out as a highlight. Yet, these elements do not carry enough satirical sting to offer a full-throated critique of Henry's nationalism. The production raises questions about the futility of war—particularly in the aftermath of Agincourt and the uneasy unity between England and France—but does so too tentatively.
Ultimately, this Henry V feels more like a faithful celebration of the king's nationalism, with only occasional off-notes, rather than a bold interrogation of its themes. It remains a solid history play that, while well-executed, misses the opportunity to speak directly to today's global chaos and the repeated cycles of war and invasion.
Running at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-Upon-Avon until April 25, this production offers a competent but safe take on Shakespeare's enduring work.
