Find out more about Henry V

Henry V

'There is some soul of goodness in things evil,
Would men observingly distil it out.'

Act IV scene I

Find out more about Shakespeare's Henry V as well as information on current and past productions of the play.


Plot synopsis

To finance the projected war on France, the Commons are about to pass a bill confiscating the Church's lands.

Seeking to avoid the long-term implications of this, the Archbishop of Canterbury and Bishop of Ely make the newly-crowned King Henry an irresistible offer of cash, at the same time confirming the legitimacy of his claim to the French throne. Read more...


Video clip Watch video clips and scenes in rehearsals

Visit Exploring Shakespeare for an insight into the latest production, including a photo gallery, interviews with the cast, video clips from the play as well as clips from the rehearsal room.  Read more...


Who's who - the characters

Family tree for the houses of Lancaster and York. Read more.


Meet the acting ensemble

The same group of group of actors, directors, designers have worked together over two years on eight of Shakespeare's history plays. Between them, the actors will be playing 264 roles across the plays. Come and meet them.


Digitised picture archive

See pictures from productions of Henry V throughout the centuries. See more...


Read or listen to the play in advance

The RSC Shop has recordings of the plays and copies of the play texts available to buy online.