Exploring Shakespeare

Henry V Act 3 Scene 1

The night before the battle, Henry appeals to the troops with this rousing speech.

Henry V Act 5 Scene 2

Despite the language barrier, Henry woos Katherine and manages to steal a kiss.

Henry V Act 4 Scene 4

Pistol discovers an injured French soldier and spots an opportunity to make some money…

Pistol and the French Soldier

In rehearsal - watch the actors begin a run-through of Act 4 Scene 4. Michael stops them to give Nick a note about Pistol's mood.

Director interview (Michael Boyd)

Find our more about Michael's production - from his staging decisions to what he thinks about Henry's character.

Henry IV Part 2 4:4 Extract 1

Thinking his sleeping father is dead, Prince Hal believes he owes him sincere grief as he will inherit the crown.

Henry IV Part 2 4:4 Extract 2

Very close to death, Henry IV regrets how he won the crown and suggests his son distracts his enemies with war.

What makes Henry V relevant to today's audience?

Act and Scene
Credit: RSC
Date: 07/11/07
Copyright: © RSC 2007

In Richard II, Shakespeare sets up the idea that England is becoming fragmented. Is this resolved by Henry V?

Act and Scene
Credit: RSC
Date: 07/11/07
Copyright: © RSC 2007

How much is Shakespeare expecting us to identify with and love Henry?

Act and Scene
Credit: RSC
Date: 07/11/07
Copyright: © RSC 2007

You have not gone for the comparison with the Iraq 'dodgy dossier' - have you turned your back on this obvious topicality?

Act and Scene
Credit: RSC
Date: 07/11/07
Copyright: © RSC 2007

Why have you chosen to portray the French in this non-naturalistic way, as exotic peacocks?

Act and Scene
Credit: RSC
Date: 07/11/07
Copyright: © RSC 2007

How does your choice of setting affect the way you're staging the military action?

Act and Scene
Credit: RSC
Date: 07/11/07
Copyright: © RSC 2007

Why does the Chorus make us aware that we're an audience watching a play in a theatre?

Act and Scene
Credit: RSC
Date: 07/11/07
Copyright: © RSC 2007

How do you think Henry feels when he delivers the St Crispin's Day speech?

Act and Scene
Credit: RSC
Date: 07/11/07

It could be said that Shakespeare is conservative. How do you respond to that?

Act and Scene
Credit: RSC
Date: 07/11/07

What do you think Henry thinks about the Archbishop's argument at the start of the play?

Act and Scene
Credit: RSC
Date: 07/11/07

Did you have a vision for directing the History Cycle?

Act and Scene
Credit: RSC
Date: 07/11/07

In Henry V, Shakespeare examines English identity. Was this more relevant in Shakespeare's day, rather than the time the play is set?

Act and Scene
Credit: RSC
Date: 07/11/07

Is there an analogy in Henry V with immigration in the UK now?

Act and Scene
Credit: RSC
Date: 07/11/07

Is it necessary to have an understanding of Hal's background in the previous plays to fully appreciate his emergence as a flawed hero in Henry V?

Act and Scene
Credit: RSC
Date: 07/11/07

These clips are taken from a recording of the Director Talk public event on 7 November 2007 in the Courtyard Theatre. Interview by Paul Allen.