Henry IV Part I was directed by Michael Boyd as part of the History Cycle.
Henry Bolingbroke, now Henry IV sits on the throne. But the murder of Richard II and the guilt of his actions threaten to undermine his rule.
While his father struggles to maintain his position, Prince Hal is immersed in a self indulgent life of drinking and revelry with the notorious Sir John Falstaff. Unwilling to accept his responsibility as heir to the throne, it is only when open conflict erupts that he finally abandons his dissolute lifestyle to fight at his father's side.
RSC Honorary Associate Artist David Warner returned to Stratford for the first time in over 40 years to play the role of Sir John Falstaff. David first performed in the Histories for the 1964 RSC ensemble when, under the direction of Sir Peter Hall and John Barton, he played the title roles in Richard II and Henry VI, and Mouldy in Henry IV Part II.
His most recent stage appearance was as King Lear in Steven Pimlott's production for the Chichester Festival Theatre in 2005. He last performed in Stratford-upon-Avon as Hamlet in the 1965 season.
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