Henry V (Man And Monarch)

The publicity for this production had been very favourable. I was, however, extremely disappointed. The premise and the intention behind the production may be admirable, but the actual execution was not.

The blurb in the program helps to explain the context of this deconstruction of Henry V, which was not always clear in performance.  Using passages from Shakespeare’s Henry IV and Henry V this is a solo performance by Brett Wood - a journey from the adolescent Prince Hal to King Henry, the victory of Agincourt and the wooing of Princess Katherine of France. The Prince Hal is unlike any other I’ve seen – a highly emotional neurotic. This is fine, except that the performance is all declamatory and one note.

There isn’t much range except a constant bleating victim with the lines being virtually sung, which is always a sign of emotional disconnection and playing attitude rather; going for effect rather than anything real. Furthermore, the vocal delivery was either loud or soft to the point of inaudibility.

This is a type of acting more associated with university acting or that of the early 20^th century, for example from the likes of Donald Wolfit – energetic, committed, but little real depth, range and emotional truth.

The section involving Agincourt was better.

Mr Wood may be feeling a great deal, however I was completely unmoved.

Tony Knight

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