“HENRY V”

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 611, 13 March 1929, Page 15

“HENRY V”

SHAKESPERIAN SEASON LAUDING ENGLISH PATRIOTISM ‘'Henry V.”, an historical play in two parts and 16 scenes, by William Shakespeare. Presented at His Majesty’s Theatre last evening by Allan Wilkie CAST: King Henry V Allan Wilkie Duke of Gloucester . . John Fielding Duke of Exeter .... Arthur Keane Earl of Westmoreland . . John Cameron .Maemorris Vincent Scully Pistol John Cairns Miles Hastings Bardolph .-Mil ton Sands Boy Mildred Howard Charles VI. (King of France) . • Herbert Sheldrick Dew is (the Dauphin) . . . Dennis Barry Montjoy Herald) . . . Alexander Marsh Chorus Lorna Forbes Hostess of a Tavern . . . Hilda Scurr Isabel (Queen of France) . Sheila i age Katherine Miss Hunter-Watts

“Henry V.” is Shakespeare’s conclusion of a number of magnificent historical plays. Though not so fully developed, perhaps, as the two parts of “Henry IV.”, it is iilled with amazing character studies and sings the praises of English heroism and endurance. Throughout the whole play English patriotism is lauded, culminating in the victory on the field of Agincourt. What French characters we are permitted to seo are foppish and foolish, Henry himself sets the standard of the play. He is the ideal king, stirring his warriors to greater effort in battle for England. Victory follows victory until the French are forced to capitulate, and the clang of battle gives way to a happy scene at the French court, where Henry becomes the lover of the Katherine.

Throughout the play a stirring chorus, beautifully delivered by Miss Forbes, carried the action over much of the historical ground. Pistol, Nym and Bardolph, Shakespeare’s amusing trio of rogues, provide the humour and buffoonery so characteristic of the period, and tempt us to love roguery.

Mr. Wilkie adds another satisfactory portrait to his large gallery of Shakespearian characters as the warlike Henry V. It is a part filled with patriotic speeches and robust action, well suited to Mr. Wilkie’s methods.

Miss Hunter Watts gives us a deliciously entertaining Katherine. She invested the small but attractive part with vitality and colour. Mr. Marsh and Mr. Barry shared the honours of tho French court. Both gave admirable performances, perfect in detail and value. Mr. Sheldrick’s study of the French King was another care-fully-drawn portrait. Mr. Cairns, one of the most conscientious actors of the company, made his rogue a droll fellow, full of bravado. His confederates, Mr. Bands and Mr. Hastings, were pleasantly amusing. “Henry V.” offers a multitude of characters, and Mr. Wilkie’s company brings them to life in a remarkably free manner. Mr. Wilkie is deserving of the staunch support of a public which otherwise would never see the plays of Shakespeare in this commercial age.

This evening: “Romeo and Juliet.