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Canberra Today 15°/16° | Friday, March 29, 2024 | Digital Edition | Crossword & Sudoku

Review: The Bard, pole dancing and party mayhem

 

BELL Shakespeare’s “Henry 4” is a highly accessible compilation of Shakespeare’s two plays, “Henry IV” parts one and two.

A post-industrial set and production design highlight the story’s lasting relevance by bringing to mind both contemporary English “chav” culture and the Australian underclass.

King Henry (David Whitney) faces rebellion by an alliance of Scots and disgruntled English former allies. There is tension between the King and his eldest son, Prince Hal (Matthew Moore). Hal eschews his royal duties in favour of frequenting bars and brothels with his debauched, surrogate father, Falstaff.

John Bell’s Falstaff, dressed like an old biker, is the pivotal rascal around whom the story revolves. Through his corruption and deception, Falstaff inadvertently teaches Hal the hard lessons he needs to learn to turn aside from a wild life and become the next King of England.

Milk crates and a shipping crate make walls and structures. Broad swords and a chainsaw hang from a wall. A drum kit and electric guitar, played by various cast members, provides live sound.

Two Shakespearean plays is a lot of story to present in one night. The first half had a seamless momentum and a perfect balance between comedy and dramatic tension.

The second half, though well-played and entertaining, was less coherent, with Falstaff’s story being the strongest thread. But from the opening scene, with driving rockabilly music, pole dancing and party mayhem, the energy and humour were high and the action fast paced.

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Thank you,

Ian Meikle, editor

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